Going to the doctor can be stressful, full of uncertainties and vague possibilities. It’s hard because most of us go to the doctor to find out things we can’t figure out on our own. We have to put our faith completely in the doctor, trusting our very health to his/her expertise and knowledge.
My recent trip to the physiotherapist was no different. I had made an appointment with Greg Smith from Kelowna Physiotherapist Associates As he was working on me, I asked Greg a question regarding an issue with my other leg.
He frowned thoughtfully, giving my leg a quick look. “Well, Fred,” he said with a slow nod. “I actually don’t know.”
For a moment, all I could do was stare. He didn’t know? How could my physiotherapist not know? I trusted him to know, I paid him to know.
He nodded again, collecting a breath before offering me a smile. “I’ll have to give it some thought while we take a closer look at your leg.”
It wasn’t the quick diagnosis I had been looking for, but as Greg conducted the rest of his examination, I realized it was the most reassuring answer he could give me. Sure, I didn’t know right away what was wrong with my leg, but I did know that I could trust my physiotherapist to be honest.
After all, Greg could have lied and could have made up anything. He could have planned five unnecessary tests to get more money out of me.
Instead, my physiotherapist kept his integrity and told me the truth. This honesty showed that he had my best interest at heart and that the answers he gave me were legitimate. When he did find the answer, I had no doubt that I could trust that as much as I could trust his initial uncertainty.
This lesson holds true in all businesses. No matter what you do, it is essential to be honest. Being a leader in the industry doesn’t mean you have all the answers. We’re all human, and as much as clients want to know everything at that moment in time, they also want us to be honest with our answers.
It’s a question we’re all likely to face in our business: what to do when you are unsure of the answer. Fortunately, we don’t have to know the answer. We just have to be honest, and that integrity will offer more to clients than false promises ever could.
Our clients do not expect us to know everything, but they do expect us to have integrity and be willing to take the time to source out the answers to their questions.
Fred Sakrari
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Fred, thank you for posting and reminding us all of the importance of maintaining our integrity even if it means we don’t have all the answers. At times it can be difficult to let go of our Ego and simply admit, “I don’t know”. Kudos to Greg for choosing to do what is right, instead of what is easy. It may be hard in the moment to do so, although when we do choose integrity, we will always be proud of our actions.
As a teacher in the fitness industry, I am constantly asked questions that I don’t know the answer to. I am proud to say “I don’t know”. This allows me to live with integrity, gaining the trust of my students, and it also allows me to go find the answer!
Way to go Fred and Greg!
Andrea Thatcher
Fred, you always have the best posts. I look forward to your entries because they always resonate. You are wise for such a young guy. Keep up the great work. When are you speaking next?
great article, I have just been going through your posts because I read your book and then looked you up. It is wonderful the stuff you have on here. My receptionist gave me your book months ago and it sat there forever but I am so glad I finally read it. Thank you Fred.
It is so true how we see our health practitioner as all knowing when, in fact, they are just people. I think we put TOO much faith in doctors to let ourselves off the hook for being responsible for our own health and wellness. I do not mean that with you and your physio, but in the world in general. It is nice to hear someone say that they do not know instead of pretending that they do.
Great post as always.
Kenny
Honesty in business IS key to LONG term success. It is great that you are reminding people of that. Nice job. Keep up the great work.
Really good points there. Honesty, who knew. LOL. I hope your leg is better.
T.
Where is this physio? I will prove that honesty works by going to him from now on. ha. Just twisted my ankle pretty bad in Egypt. This is a nice article thank you!
I am a busy man and your blog is the only one I read. Short, sweet, and to the point.
I love not knowing things! Oh , I guess that does not sound good. lol. What I mean is I love to find answers for my clients. It really helps me become better at what I do. Your articles are excellent. always!!!!!
reading things like this makes me wonder……WHEN IS YOUR NEW BOOK COMING OUT???!!?!? I can’t wait to read it!
Whoa Charlie, slow down on the caps lock. ha ha. Anyway, nice blog as always Fred. What part of the world are you living in now? Head office is talking about booking a speaker for January. When I saw you at the Microsoft thing I was super impressed so I was singing your praises.
and sign me up for that book too.
Good stuff Fred! I saw you in Penticton at the event on the lake. I just finished your book and it was great so I came to your website looking for more. Will you be presenting at next years seminar?
So true!