My Dave Barry Imitation

A couple of weeks ago I introduced Dave Barry, the newspaper humorist, as a possible health educator. Some of his ‘lessons’ learned were indeed relevant to many in the health education profession.

Today I would like to share with you three of my all time favorites ‘words of wisdom’. I tell my classes that these are ‘Dr. K’s Words of Wisdom’, although in all honesty I’ve probably stole them from somebody…but I can’t recall who.

Point Number 1: You can argue philosophies forever; it’s hard to refute facts

Since our society is so pluralistic it’s almost impossible to come to any consensus. Many of the things that health educators fight for often have very strong opposition. For example, there are some who believe that any discussion of sex will encourage teens to engage in sex. I’ve seen health educators try to argue that philosophy with the same illogical process and they often go down in defeat. INSTEAD, use data to support your cause. The response “Well, it’s really irrelevant what you think–the bottom line is that XX% number of teens currently have an STD, plus another XXX became pregnant last year.”

No guarantee that it’s going to be any easier, but it’s hard to refute facts.

Point 2: Take time to do something right the first time—for no matter how busy you may be, you’ll find time to do it again (and again) until you get it right.

We’re so often in a hurry that we rush our preliminary work only to find out that we need to spend time (perhaps more) re-doing it. I stress this among my students (especially my undergraduates) that it is critical to have good time-management skills. Plan in advance and plan to do a GREAT job the first time. It will reduce major headaches.

Point # 3: The job’s not over until the paperwork is done.

No matter how good you’ve done something, if you don’t finish it up (paperwork) you’ll be remembered for that.  I give this example (and it’s based on my own life lessons)…one could organize an event, use many volunteers, thank them profusely during the event;  provide them food and drink afterwards and continue to thank them.  IF you forget to send a thank you memo, chances are the volunteers, when asked to reflect on their involvement, may say nice things, but they’ll always end the statement (or their thought process) with “But I never did receive a written thank you.”

Your health department could be funded for a project;  you could do a great job;  get great results;  provide invaluable information to your clients or other providers.  BUT, if you fail to turn in your final evaluation/paper, those who funded the program will say (or think):  “Yes, that was a good program.  Unfortunately we never did receive our final evaluation).”  That’s what they’ll remember most.

These aren’t as funny as Dave Barry, but I think they’re as practical.  What ‘Words of Wisdom’ do you have to share?

Mark

Tags: Advice, Health Education, Practice
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