Amy's Reflections

Be Observant

The word for this week is to be observant. Being observant means paying attention to the small details. In our current society, it can be difficult to be observant because of the constant distractions with social media and cell phones. I was once traveling with one our leaders to a conference, and there was a suspicious looking person following us as we walked to the conference from the parking garage. I kept making turns and mentally gathering a description. I had a plan in place for safety and when I mentioned my plan to the other leader, they had no idea what I was talking about or that we were even being followed. Sometimes it is really important to remove all of those distractions and really be focused and observant. 

One of the things that has always set Iowa Specialty Hospitals and Clinics apart is our culture. It just feels different than other health care organizations, and that is because we pay attention to those little details that make all the difference and put the patients at ease. For most of us, it is so ingrained that it is second nature. We look at people as we walk by them and smile and greet them. This is true whether we are at work or the grocery store. That attention to detail, and being observant of others, is what strengthens our human connection. It is part of who we are and what we do. My challenge for you this week is to take time to make that connection with a co-worker or a patient. Really remove the distractions and focus on the person in front of you. I bet it will make you both feel good.