Let’s talk about my pet peeve in the workplace…

Feeling appreciated in our chosen career (or lack there of)…

The work of a health professional can be both physically and mentally exhausting at times. Adequate time for self-care, work life balance, recognition and peer support is something we are constantly chasing… and craving.

I often hear practice owners discussing how frustrated they are that associates don’t understand how much work goes into running a business — that their efforts are often overlooked or misconceived.

I also hear the disappointment in some associates voices when they feel their hard work is not being recognized or validated by their Principle or Business Owner.

Think about it…

🤔 Can you truly be grateful for something you genuinely believe you are entitled to?

Take the internet for example. We are so automated by its convenience that we rarely take time to appreciate it. Amidst this digital world, we have become so entitled to high speed access that we are shocked when there is no free WiFi at a Hotel.

Entitlement through expectation.

Consider this mindset as an employee…

If your boss has been stocking the cupboards with tea and coffee for the last 3 years and it runs out… is this something you have come to expect? Are you entitled to an endless supply of condiments simply because that’s the way it’s always been? Or perhaps you’ve been getting regular mentoring, and this has recently stopped due to circumstance.

Entitlement comes from a perception of loss — not getting something you believe you have come to deserve. We are all at risk of this mindset… even the patient who expects that you to simply ‘fit them in’.

Now the perception of a clinic owner…

Your team have always stayed back late to see urgent patients or finish paperwork as needed, but more recently, things have changed and they are leaving on time. You pay them well with bonuses, but can you really ‘expect’ this routine to continue as part of their regular duties?

The truth is, when we become accustomed to a consistent behavior, we eventually start to expect it — when we expect something, gratitude then requires an active thought process and is replaced by entitlement mentality.

We are all human. When we go above and beyond, it is nice to see it recognized by our friends, family, bosses, peers and even by our patients.

People become more accustomed and ‘expectant’ from repetition, NOT more appreciative.

👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻This is the catalyst for entitlement. Be careful not to enable or fall victim to this mindset in your workplace.

The first person you need to step up and lead is yourself. Waiting to be validated is the fastest road to disappointment.

Most of us at some point will experience a time when our actions will not been fully appreciated…. By our parents, by our bosses, by our staff, by our patients…. The reality is, appreciating YOU is not their job — It’s YOUR job.

Appreciate your own value and what you bring, today and everyday — and when you see it in others tell them, through ‘in-the-moment’ feedback.

Yes, communication is important, but no one ever regrets showing gratitude. Recognition is our most powerful currency AND ITS FREE!

STOP fixating on what you aren’t getting and shift your focus towards a more positive lens.

➡️ Tell someone today how amazing they are.

➡️ Thank someone for making your life a little easier.

➡️ Celebrate and validate the contributions of your team.

✅ Be MORE grateful and LESS entitled — your heart and your peers will thank you for it.

Bringing you my best,

Much love..

Jade Scott