3 comments

1. 

   Jun 07, 2013

   To be our best as a leader, it is important to look at our purpose. One may say my purpose is to educate, or to make a difference, but what really is purpose? According to Launching a Leadership Revolution by Brady & Woodward, 2012; purpose is at the intersection of 3 separate entities: passion, potential, and profit. When we consider the health care provider, many are very passionate about providing information, helping to solve problems. I have noticed that I feel most satisfied and productive when the person I am teaching has verbalized or demonstrated that they got the message, and when I see results. The next variable is potential, or our abilities. Are we reaching our peak, or are there drawbacks. Sometimes intentions are good, but limitations impact our potential and ablility to succeed. What are we doing to ensure success in our potential? Do we have a can do attitude? Are we brave when facing new or extra large obstacles? and what about their potential. With a new diagnosis, it is like taking the wind out of their sails--what ever life they were leading needs adjusting. Can they regroup is such a way as to reach their full potential? The third variable is profit--in business terms this may be related to balancing the budget, but profits could also be measured in other outcomes such as improved A1c, weight, activity plan, and adequate support. for me, the profit may be related to accomplishing alot in a short time slot, or reaching another who in the past had not been receptive. When we look at the concept of educating another, we are familiar with our purpose as an educator, but what about the purpose of our clients. Many are referred for education and to deal with diabetes, a big scarey disease, with lots of "stories". And we are forcing them to take time out of an already busy schedule, and learn, do and apply all the lessons to their life. This is alot to ask of them. What about their passions? Do they leave clues in the discussion and relationship building that we can use to help with motivation for change? Are they reaching their potential, or are there things holding them back? Can we facilitate what ever is needed to mobilize the obstacles so change can occur? Should profit be measured as success through our eyes, or is it success through their eyes as measured by them when they master the baby steps that are needed to incorporate all this diabetes care into their world? In helping others, looking at the purpose, ours and theirs as the intersection of passion, potential and profit. How are these things defined for them, and how can we help them acheive their purpose through maximizing their potential. Being our best allow us the energy to help others to their fullest potential. Take time as we prepare for AADE 13 to think, what is my passion, potential, and what does this mean to me (profit). Shari
2. 

   Jun 05, 2013

   According to Margaret Moore, CEO of Wellcoaches, relationships are the bands that holds our DNA of well being together. Whether the relationships are built on a personal or professional level (with peers and the clientel we care for), relationships are the key. When we look at success, it is the individual that makes up the team, but a team that works well together, each supporting the other to their fullest or personal best, that often brings greater success to the whole (rather than if we try to "do it" on our own). A famous quote from Vince Lombardi is often sited: "If we strive for perfection, we may acheive excellence" (paraphrased). When I think of the many "pieces" that need to work together as we provide education to the patient, it is amazing. From the "medical home" to the specialist, we are all advising and encouraging, but without a relationship of trust and "buy in", the messages may be lost. In pediatrics there is also the dynamic of the parent -child to be considered. If we each use our strengths to their fullest, plus if we add an extra 1%, this will also fuel the excellence we are trying to acheive for that relationship, for that moment. Building trust, supporting the efforts of each individul, and lifting each other up will help all to feel their best as they carry on with their role. Building ourself, our team mates, patients and their family can have a huge impact in well being. It is the point of possible.
3. 

   Jun 04, 2013

   So I've noticed that more of my type 1 PWD are eating less carbs at meals. For those that use advanced carb counting they realize soon enough that eating a meal without carbs still requires insulin when eating protein. What is the recommendation that RD's teach a person who uses an I:C ratio who isn't eating carbs but plenty of protein at a meal