Thanks for reading our second issue of "Shawn's Shout Out," a newsletter with advice and news from McVey Management Solutions. Thanks to your feedback, we've added a place where new folks can sign up for the newsletter (see "Join Our Mailing List" button to the right). We appreciate the fact that you forwarded Shawn's advice to the people who need it most!
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Do You Speak Body Language?
What Is Body Language?
Body language is the unspoken or non-verbal mode of communication that we use in every single aspect of our interactions with another person. If you listen closely, it tells you what the other person thinks and feels in response to your words or actions. Body language involves gestures, mannerisms, and other physical signs.
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Did you know that 60% to 80% of the messages that you convey to other people are transmitted through your body language? Verbal communication accounts for only 7% to 10% of your communication! The ability to read other people's minds through their body language--and to use body language in a positive way--separates the men from the boys and the women from the girls.
How Do We Use Body Language?
Actions speak louder than words, and body language is the literal translation of that old saying. Take this quick quiz to see how adept you are at listening to what a body is really telling you.
What do these physical signs mean? Match the physical movement to the letter that represents the intent or meaning attached to it. One physical sign may have more than one meaning. A key is included at the end of this newsletter.
- Head inclines forward signifies:
- Hands placed behind the back signifies:
- Palm under chin, one or two fingers pointed up signifies:
- Legs spread while sitting signifies:
- Rubbing back of neck signifies:
- Hands on hips, legs spread apart while standing signifies:
- Eyes opening wider signifies:
- Palm under chin, staring blankly signifies:
- Rubbing palms together signifies:
- Clenched fists signifies:
- Tapping hands or feet signifies:
- Biting nails signifies:
That the person is:
A. Bored
B. Angry
C. Interested
D. Insecure
E. Receptive
F. Going to take action
G. Dominant
H. Thinking, probably judging
I. Thinking, probably worried
J. Frustrated
K. Nervous
L. Excited
Body language is just one of the many aspects of emotional intelligence that Shawn helps teams understand in order to teach them communicate well and work together more harmoniously. For more information about this and other training Shawn can provide for your team, visit the speaking page on our website, where you can download Shawn's catalog of topics and watch a video of him in action.
(Image in this article courtesy of graur razvan ionut at FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
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 Conquer Conflict at Work! What it is: Commando Conversations is a four-day workshop that teaches you how to deal with conflict effectively Who it's for: Anyone who is ready to release fear of conflict and deal with it like a pro
When and where:
February 20-23, 2014 in Austin, Texas How to register: Online by November 15, 2013 to take advantage of early bird pricing ($200 off regular registration rate) What it's all about: Terrified of talking about a topic that might result in anger or hurt feelings? Frustrated by the seemingly constant conflict that you deal with as a leader in your practice? Join us for our Commando Conversations: Building Your Conflict Competence seminar in Austin, Texas, from February 20 to 23, 2014. Highlights of what you'll learn in this four-day program include: - Why dealing with conflict productively makes good business sense
- How to create productive outcomes of conflict while reducing the likelihood of escalation or harm
- How conflict competence can transform you into a sensational leader
- Techniques for building skills in self-awareness, observing others' behavior to prevent escalation of conflict
- How to create a culture of conflict competence for your entire team
We invite you to be a part of this special four-day experience, where you'll explore your ability to effectively and productively deal with conflict in a safe and educational environment. You'll take a comprehensive conflict-competence assessment, build new skills, and walk away with a personalized development plan. After attending this program, you will no longer be afraid of conflict! Read more about it or register here for early bird pricing--$200 off the regular registration fee! |
In this regular column, we give you a brief, engaging explanation of how Shawn would solve a management or communication problem common in veterinary practices. You've asked for more of Shawn's words of wisdom, and here they are!
Dear Shawn,
Q:
What is a short script I can use to explain the CareCredit® payment option to clients?
A:
The script should include two main messages: 1) the value of the service that you are offering and 2) the benefits of that service. Clients need empathy, so say something that shows that you are connecting with their frustrations. Then help them feel better about their choice. Here's what I'd suggest: "I know that this _________ (service) costs more than you expected. I'm sorry that finances even have to be a part of the equation, but we have to sort this out. We can help you with that because we offer a special client payment plan. It works like a credit card, and you can pay for services today and make payments over time or when it is more convenient. Would you be interested in that option?"
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Tales from Down Under
and Across the Pond
Shawn McVey traveled to Australia and the United Kingdom this summer to evangelize about the benefits of emotional intelligence to veterinary practice leaders. When summarizing his visit, Shawn says, "The message was well received, and attendees were hungry for the information."
Though they may be a long way away in terms of miles (or kilometers!), "They struggle with the same problems we do," adds Shawn. He observed that both groups are noticeably behind the U.S. in terms of organizational development, their use of emotional intelligence at work, and management being involved with team development. "Australia is lagging us by about five years, and the UK is 10 to 12 years behind," says McVey.
Kudos to our hosts--VetShare in Australia and Onswitch in the UK--for being forward-thinking enough to have Shawn come speak to their groups. One attendee, captured on video, said, "It was an amazing program, and I'd recommend it to anyone." Click here to wtach a brief video of Shawn speaking to a group of UK attendees about how a leader's mood affects the whole team.
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Shawn Has Moved to Texas, Y'all!
Shawn is now helping Austin keep it weird. That's right--he moved from Chicago, Illinois to Austin, Texas in April of 2013. After many months of discussion, Shawn accepted a position as a part owner and Chief of Operations at Veterinary Management Solutions, a Texas-based company that provides administrative services for a number of practices affiliated by common ownership.
Though he will be busy showing his new practices how to do things "the Shawn way," he plans to continue speaking, training, and consulting with organizations across the United States (and around the world!). Please contact us if you'd like to schedule Shawn to come speak for your group, or check out our website for our next Retreat to be held in Austin.
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Key to Body Language Quiz
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Shawn's Gigs
Here are Shawn's upcoming speaking and consulting engagements through October. For Shawn's future availability, check his public calendar. For more information or to schedule services, call Erin Hart at 888-759-7191 or email.
SEPTEMBER
September 19-21, 2013
AVETS
Monroeville, Pennsylvania
Consulting and speaking engagement
OCTOBER
October 3-5, 2013
Eastview Veterinary Clinic
Penn Yan, New York
Consulting engagement
October 10, 2013
VetVine Webinar Calm, Cool, and Collected: Dealing with Conflict Like a Pro
Fee: $36
6:00 PM Pacific
7:00 PM Mountain
8:00 PM Central
9:00 PM Eastern
October 17, 2013 Well Managed Practice Group Minneapolis, Minnesota Speaking engagement October 19, 2013 Wichita Veterinary Medical Association Wichita, Kansas Speaking engagement
October 26-27, 2013 Westlake Veterinary Hospital and Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty Center Austin, Texas Emotional Intelligence Workshop
October 31, 2013 Central Veterinary Conference San Diego, California Speaking engagement
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Register Now If You're Ready to Conquer Conflict!
Learn how to master conflict at Commando Conversations: Becoming Conflict Competent,
February 20-23, 2013, in Austin, Texas.
Read all the details in the article in this newsletter, or get more information here. Early bird pricing expires November 15, 2013, and you can register here.
Register here!
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Contact Us
Shawn McVey, MA, MSW
Chief Executive Officer
Now based in Austin, Texas!
Phone: 888-759-7191
Fax: 888-759-7193
For information and scheduling, please contact Erin Hart at 888-759-7191
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