Give First, Then Receive

As cancer registrars we can be more successful at influencing our cancer program team and peers by applying a few simple principles.  Often people think of influencing others as a form of manipulation and unethical behavior.  But, nothing is further from the truth.  Influence, when used appropriately and for the right reasons is not only ethical, but highly effective. 

According to Robert Cialdini, author of Influence: Science and Practice, the first principle of influence is reciprocation.  People will be ready and willing to help you when you have first done something for them.  This is really quite simple and perhaps you recall The Golden Rule.  The principle also suggests that the cancer registrar will be proactive in how they approach and influence members of the cancer program, instead of reactive.  So, in a nutshell, this means give first, then receive.  

The heart of the Cancer Registrar’s work is helping others.  It stands to reason that they will also develop their professional assets and skills to help others do their jobs better, be more successful and to collaboratively work together.  You have one of the most valuable assets in healthcare at your fingertips and that is information.  By freely giving of applicable and critical information you can generate feelings of gratitude that makes the other person want to reciprocate.  This will foster not only a collaborative environment but will demonstrate your value to the organization and cancer program.  

What are you giving to others today?  Are you generating a sense of gratitude and reciprocation?  How do you demonstrate value as you influence others?  

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http://www.RegistryMindset.com.  Michele Webb is a nationally recognized, certified cancer registrar (CTR) who is committed to Cancer Registry leadership and professional growth.  She helps cancer registrars around the world as a motivational speaker, author, and educator.  You have permission to repost this article as long as you do not alter it in any way, give credit to the author and link back to her website.