We've all been in a tense situation with a boss or co-worker in our dental practice. But, this is all part of life in the dental field, we all experience dental office struggles. Honestly, it happens in other work fields, in schools, or even in our families. When these challenges arise, how do you show up? How do you respond?

Without struggles and resistance, we won't grow. Without growth, we won't have new experiences and change in our lives. How boring would life be if we had no change? Ever see the movie, "Groundhog Day" with Bill Murray? THAT is exactly what life would be like with no change!!

Not so long ago, I had this exact thing happen to me. Knowing that important questions shouldn't be discussed via text, I went that route anyways. The ''tone'' of a text is not as clear as ''tone'' in a conversation. When my inbox was appraoched with a text I misunderstood that tone and if I would have, like i tell my kids, "had my listening ears on" a touch situation could have been avoided. How did I show up you ask? Well, if I may be honest, I got offended instead of seeking to understand. I "got my panties all in a wad" you might say. In the end, my knee-jerk reaction was a poor one. It lead to hurt feelings and that lead to misunderstanding on both sides. I cut short the dialog and brooded. I share this with you so that you may learn from my mistake! I am a work in progress...just like you, the person reading this blog!

There is a better idea so you don't trot down the same path I did.First, survey the scene you are entering into. Seek to LISTEN what the other person is saying, not just hearing. What is that person trying to say. consider what they have said and lastly respond with a proper response. Ask yourself, How can you make the biggest impact in this situation? Meaning, how can you best react to dispel anger or confusion?

REMEMBER: You are one decision away from a totally different life (Mark Batterson)