Eric is my physical therapist. He’s a good one. He laughs at me all the time and tells me how weak I am. He pushes my left hip past the point of failure and then tells me to keep going. He’s cool.
Before, between, and after our sessions, I grill him about his profession. He seems to LOVE it. He loves seeing people get better. Boy, can I relate.
Here’s some interesting learning for me.
After our first session he gave me three stretches to do at home. All three stretch my hips. They don’t hurt, but they’re uncomfortable, to use his words. Getting my tendons out of their comfort zone is the goal. Cool. When was last time you had your tendons or your teams out of theirs?
Immediately I wanted more. At first, I said nothing. Slowly I gained my courage, and a little confidence to ask for more. Soooo after our fourth session I asked Eric for some additional stretches. His response was clear, concise, and direct. He told me three was all I needed.
OK. Three it is.
After our seventh session, I asked him again for more stretches. Again, he was clear, concise, and direct and maybe just a hint disgruntled. He told me THREE was all I needed.
OK. Three it is.
After our session today, I asked him WHY does he only want me to focus on three stretches. I told him that I am doing those three to the best of my ability, and that I feel like I can do more. He told me three was all I needed.
This time I pushed him further. Eric, please tell me why you are limiting me to three!
He told me.
Research data says that if a physical therapist gives their patient more than three things to focus on, the patient doesn’t do ANYTHING! He always gives three or less because of this. He knows that us humans are easily overwhelmed.
Extrapolate for your work.
Narrow the focus.
Narrow your focus.
Help your team narrow theirs.
Here’s my helpful hint. Start focusing on building your strong CORE. If you have focused here, start your second rinse. If you’ve already completed your second rinse, start your third.
I’ll stop now.
Three it is…
BUILT TO LEAD 