Is Your Team Ready for February’s Challenge?

Is Your Team Ready for February’s Challenge?

It’s almost February, and I’ve got a challenge for you and your team that will make this coming month both fun and impactful. But first, a question: how often have you thought, “I know exactly what to say in this situation,” only for it to come out… not quite as planned?

That’s where Exactly What to Say by Phil Jones comes in. If you haven’t read (or listened to) this fantastic little book yet, now’s the time. It’s short—an hour and a half max on audio—but packed with simple, powerful phrases that can completely transform how you communicate.

Here’s the thing: we all know that practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to communication. But role-playing? Most team members dread it. And let’s face it, what sounds brilliant in your head often comes out like a half-baked idea unless you’ve practiced it. So, instead of making it a chore, let’s make it a game.

My Challenge to You for February:

Let’s declare February as Exactly What to Say month in your office. Here’s how we’ll do it:

  1. Choose a Phrase Each Day:
    Pick one phrase or technique from the book during your morning huddle. For example:

    • “On a scale of 1 to 10, how serious are you about [blank]?”
    • When someone responds, “I’m a 6,” you can follow up with, “What would it take to get you to a 10?”
      This creates a meaningful dialogue that deepens understanding and engagement.
  2. Explain the Context:
    Take a moment to discuss where the phrase might come in handy that day—with patients, parents, or even teammates.
  3. Put It Into Practice:
    Challenge your team to use the phrase in real-life situations throughout the day. Think of it like a secret mission: they’ll look for creative opportunities to slip the phrase into conversations.
  4. Share the Wins:
    At the end of the day, take a few minutes to share how it went. Who nailed it? What reactions did they get? How did it feel?

Why This Challenge Matters:

  • You’ll Build Confidence: Practicing phrases in real-world situations makes them feel natural.
  • You’ll Improve Communication: These phrases help foster better conversations at work and even at home.
  • It’s Fun: Turning this into a challenge creates camaraderie and builds team spirit.

Here’s an example: When teaching patients how to use rubber bands, your assistants could say:
“The way I see it, you have three options. One, wear these every once in a while, and your treatment will drag on. Two, wear them every day, finish faster, and get out of braces sooner. Or three, skip them altogether and be frustrated when things take forever. Which option sounds best to you?”

Not only does this clarify the message, but it also empowers the patient to choose their next steps.

Show Your Commitment:

If you’re ready to take on this challenge with your team, reply to this email with the words “Challenge Accepted.”

Let’s kick off February with intention, energy, and some seriously effective communication. I can’t wait to hear how this impacts your office and your conversations.

Proactive, Productive and Profitable,

Dino