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If You Have to Disappoint – Make Up for It in a Big Way

One of my professional colleagues recently left a voicemail announcing that he had to disappoint me on a project. I have to admit, I was upset – this was something big. I allowed myself to experience the expected range of emotions, but I learned long ago to never respond in haste when emotions are running rampant. I remained silent on my end.

I knew this colleague didn’t want to burn a bridge and I didn’t either. Both of us pride ourselves on our integrity and our words are our bonds. When I finally responded hours later, I had cooled down and my response was professional, reasoned and to the point.

The next morning he called with a solution that was bigger and better than the original deal. I don’t like to think what the outcome would have been if I hadn’t taken the time (and a glass of healthy red wine) to collect my thoughts and put my emotions in check.

The next time you’re facing a major or even minor disappointment as a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant – whether it’s with an attorney-client, CLNC® subcontractor or vendor – don’t react immediately. Instead, take a deep breath, have a glass of healthy red wine (or if it’s too early for wine, a calming cup of healthy green tea) and decide upon a professional course of action. The outcome may turn out bigger and better than you expected.

I’m Just Sayin’

P.S. Comment here and share how you turn disappointments into opportunities.

4 thoughts on “If You Have to Disappoint – Make Up for It in a Big Way

  1. Excellent reminder, Vickie. Anger is like an allergic reaction. The quicker the reaction onset, the more serious the outcome. It takes more energy to mend a relationship after anger and you never quite get that respect back. Taking that deep breath and that sip of therapeutic wine (trouble is we can’t carry a flask around unless it’s healthy green tea) works so much better. We learn through life’s seasoning, but it takes energy to practice what we have learned.

  2. Oh Vickie, that would be disappointing! However it seems you handled it well and the benefit seems to be great. I have a positive note: The first attorney I was to find a TE in his case raved about the TE I sent him. He didn’t use him. I asked why he did not use him? But the attorney is not forthcoming of his reasons only to say this physician told him his case did not have merit from his perceived medical opinion. I am not sure why yet.
    Maybe the attorney should have used me to screen the case first (this attorney was also an ADN for 6 years before becoming an attorney). Bottom line, he did not want me to continue to find any more TEs for this case. The good news – I feel good about what I did and I have built a TE pool of a few physicians.

  3. I had a big disappointment a few months back: I called one attorney I have worked with, marketing for new cases. She told me she had two cases for me and gave me details about one of them. Week after week I am calling with no return communication which turned into two months. I decided to email her, and by this time I was calmed down. I asked about the two cases and she responded kindly, “No, I no longer have those cases…keep checking with me though.” I know you taught us Vickie, that not all attorneys will keep a case and kick the can down the road. I got the message (reading between the lines) that she kept the door open for me.
    That taught me that even though they may say they have a case for you, I keep marketing to other attorneys and follow up with the ones who say they do. Sling enough mud on the wall, some of it will stick (get new cases), yippee!

  4. I had a disappointment today. I have been in contact with an attorney who had a case for me and I received an email from him letting me know he did not need my help on the case.
    Sure it was disturbing, and disappointing. So, I prayed real hard and sent off two emails to other attorneys who had upcoming cases and got a reply today for four more cases an attorney is working on and wants my services.
    So, it is okay to blow off steam and get over it and get back in the saddle right away.

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*The opinions and statements made by Vickie Milazzo, the founder of Medical-Legal Consulting Institute, Inc. are based on her experiences and expertise, should not be applied beyond the specific context provided, and do not guaranty or project actual results. Vickie Milazzo is no longer involved in the operations or management of the business, but is involved as an independent education consultant.

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