Why our choice of words really matters

Twice in this last week, from very different circumstances, I've been struck by the implications of the choices we make in the words we use.

Is "Trust" the building block of Integrated Care?

On the first of this occassions, I was reading my LinkedIn feed and came across a thoughtful piece about the future of the health service and how localisation was key. The article then went on to describe how we need to set Trusts free and give them the autonomy to evolve a local health service. I found myself increasingly uncomfortable about the emphasis on Trusts and Hospitals. Whilst these are only words representing one element of care, increasingly I'm coming to realise that the futrure of our health and care service comes from a complete embracing of the power of our VCSE, MH and primary care health sectors coupled with a tight bond with our colleagues in Local Government and social care. Sadly, much of what I read continues the disproportionate emphasis on secondary care, and therefore misses the non-healthcare determinants of health. Not to mention the shift to out of hospital and preventative care whcih Darzi recemtly restated.

So my first plea, is for us all (and especially the National policy makers) to remember that the effectiveness of our health and care system is determined by what we do to build a thriving partnership with all care agencies (including but not at all limited to secondary care).

"Brain Health" or "Failing Memory"?

My second realisation this week was on an excellent call regarding dementia. On this call, , someone (I'm afraid I can't remember who) expertly pointed out that our choice of words makes a real difference in the experiences and impressions of our citizens. The suggestion was that we might rename "memory assessment clinics" to something like "brain health centres". This could remove some of the fear and stigma from attendance, and also recognise that there are things we can do to have healthy brains. Now I'm no neuroscientist, but this really hit home for me.

Maybe the answer lies in the question?

These two perspectives are of course only tangientially related (dementia and localisation policy) but they got me thinking about how my choice of words might have unintended consequences or interpretations.

How often do I listen really carefully for the first words someone gives me as an answer? It is afterall most likely to be the unfiltered truth of their opinion. Perhaps we need to pause for an extra second to reflect on our choice of words?

How often do my words come solely from the perspective my my world view? It is not always an immediate step to consider other parties and how your words could include or exclude others.

Which brings me full circle to a coaching mindset. As many coaches (and coachees) will attest, the beauty of good coaching is to 'hold the person not the problem' and 'ask insightful question to help others'. In this spirit, perhaps my final reflection from these two experiences this week is to redouble my efforts to listen super-carefully and ask good questions to understand fully the perspectives of others and the impacts that my words might have (ideally before I utter them).

Note: these opinions are my own and do not necessarily represent the opinions of my employer or clients