Turn to Maccas for inspiration
June 28, 2010
As a profession, have we perfected
the process of “selling down”? And by
default therefore, does our staff take
our lead as using the sell down process
as a way of doing the basics?
My grandsons, aged 7 and 4,
took me to McDonalds the other day.
Maccas is not my favourite place, but
let me not put my weight management
perceptions before my observations
on holistic selling techniques in the
boy’s chosen restaurant.
I wasn’t sold the basic cheeseburger.
More importantly, I was given
options, without pressure, by a sweet
young thing with what appeared to be
a keen interest in the happiness of the
two boys, accompanied by a willingness
to show me the benefits of a latte with
my healthy option.
Let’s transfer that to my role as a
pharmacist.
I have received a script for an antibiotic.
Should I, as the competent and
confident health professional with a
reputation built on care and trust,
mention the benefits of maintaining
gut integrity by using a pre- and probiotic
combination? Especially with a
female patient, where I would
reasonably expect an uncomfortable
quality of life effect, should I be
expected to offer some options?
Macca’s would, so why can’t we?
Additionally, would some holistic
advice to prevent further courses of
antibiotics, related to immune function,
diet and lifestyle be expected?
Maybe we don’t have time. Then
let’s empower our most valuable
ally….our staff.
I don’t need the McDonalds store
manager to attend to me personally,
so that same passion shown by a
young member of staff reassured me
that the meal was what I wanted, and
the options offered were satisfactory.
Let the staff loose and allow them to
run free. Our staff welcomes the
opportunity to be freed up from all the
procedural duties expected of them
within the system we have allowed to
develop. Focus on the patient, focus
on the outcome!
Our patients will love it!
This
week’s contributor is Gerald Quigley.
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