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Playing the "What-If?" Game
by Karl Dumas
I’m going to share two words that can change your life if you choose to put these words to good use. Are you ready? What if. I like to play a game with these two words and highly recommend that you do, too. Each day, ask yourself “What if?” and explore the possibilities that this question brings forward. For example, if you ask yourself, “What if I make ten additional sales calls today?” what would the possible results be? If you made ten additional sales calls today and two customers purchased a product from you as a result, then you just made two additional sales that you would not have made had you not played the “What if?” game! This is powerful stuff, folks.
Challenge yourself and your staff to play the “What if?” game at least once a week, if not daily. Imagine the positive changes that you will see in the office as well in the attitudes of your employees as they challenge themselves to take action. Let’s look at a few scenarios to illustrate the power of “What if?”
First, let’s imagine a medical practice where the doctor is running about an hour and a half behind schedule. Impatient patients fidget in the lobby; some grumble while others keep asking the receptionist how much longer the wait will be. Seats are getting scarce. The receptionist is also stressed; it’s going to be a long day. An un-empowered employee would manage to get through the day eventually while the one who asks herself, “What if I call the remaining patients to let them know that the doctor’s running behind?” is empowered to take a proactive approach to solving the problem.
Now, let’s imagine a worker who is up for his annual performance review. He knows that times are tough and that a raise isn’t likely, especially since the company just laid off several of his co-workers. He could accept a “job well done” and is prepared for the possibility of a stagnant salary. But this employee is well-versed in playing the “What if?” game and asks himself, “What if I ask for an extra week’s vacation this year in lieu of a pay increase?” Well, what if? He just might get it!
As you explore the possibilities, ask yourself “What if I don’t?” as well. What if you don’t make any additional sales calls today? You won’t make any additional sales. What if you don’t call the patients to let them know they can come in later or reschedule? You’ll have a lobby filled with impatient patients that resent the fact that you didn’t call them. What if you don’t suggest an alternative to a pay increase? You won’t get one.
The “What if?” game can be played on a personal level as well as on the job. What if I wrote a children’s book? What if I put $200 a month in a college fund for my two-year-old? What if I apply for a grant? What if I learn a new skill? What if I start training for a marathon?
These two powerful words, what if, are yours to use as you see fit. Put them to good use and you will see immediate results!
ACTOrbit Action Steps
- Get into the habit of asking yourself “What if?” every day. It takes about 27 days for a habit to form, so schedule at least a month’s worth of prompts into ACT!
- Once you see the power that these two words have, share your story with your staff and empower them to use this technique as well.
- Create a “What if” bulletin board in a highly visible place within your office and encourage everyone to post a “What if” question.
- Each week, ask team members to share their “What if?” questions and then celebrate successes.
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