Category Archives: Short Form

“Do you believe she is a good person?”

Paul M. Michaud MD, CPE When I was about 17, I saw my younger sister, Monique, smoking on our front porch…again. I decided to confront my Dad… Me: How could you allow her to smoke right in front of you. She is disrespecting you and embarrassing our family in front of the whole neighborhood and,...

If the relationship is strong, you can say anything. If the relationship is weak, there is nothing you can say.

Paul M. Michaud MD, CPE You have likely been given the advice, “Choose your words wisely” and “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.” This is useful advice. However, consider these 2 situations… Have you ever been in a situation where it seemed like no matter what words you used or how...

When you see anger… train yourself to look for pain.

Paul M. Michaud MD, CPE Sometimes, when we are with someone who is experiencing strong emotions, the interaction is limited by the way those strong emotions may make us feel inside. Sometimes we fail to recognize that what we can see as the problem is only the symptom of a deeper problem. Sometimes we fail...

Given the choice between being right or effective… choose effective.

Paul M. Michaud MD, CPE Have you ever found yourself in a disagreement with someone and it suddenly occurs to you that you are wrong… but then you continue to argue your point just so you do not have to admit you were wrong? I have. Categories

Beautiful people do not just happen…

Paul M. Michaud MD, CPE When you see unusual kindness, compassion, and gentleness in others, understand there is always a story. Ask that person to tell you their story and you will invariably hear how they have experienced poor treatment and/or difficult times… and they don’t want others to feel what they have felt. “The...

I will be happy when…

Paul M. Michaud MD, CPE when I get good score on the MCAT. when I get into medical school. when I get a good score on the USMLE. when I get my residency of choice. when I get my fellowship of choice. when I am an attending. when… “Your problem is you are hoping that...

In the spaces…

Paul M. Michaud MD, CPE The Army consistently puts out some of the the highest quality leadership concepts.Yet where the Army and most organizations struggle is closing the gap between knowledge of a concept and application of the concept.One of the things I did poorly for many years was fail to differentiate urgent and important...

Leaders, choose your words carefully…

Paul M. Michaud MD, CPE I had a boss who when he wanted to see or talk with one of his subordinates he would email or text them…“Come see me.”or“Call me.”—Colleagues of mine would often come to me prior to responding to my boss to inquire if I had any idea what the message they...