Page 131 - The Voice of Authority

Dr. Qubein made a connection with a father’s pride
rather than focus on his own accomplishments.
Dr. Qubein also connects with students, staff, and fac-
ulty. Students receive a “Care Package” of goodies and
snacks during exam week, accompanied by a letter that be-
gins, “I hated exams, too, when I was in school ...” to let
them know he understands their stress. He sends cards to
staff and faculty on their birthday—again, to communi-
cate that he values them as individuals.
Any student on campus can e-mail him with a concern
and he responds personally. Recently, a student e-mailed
to say her dorm room wasn’t cleaned the day before. He
had a box of chocolates sent to her room and e-mailed her
an apology: “I’m sorry—we let you down. Please forgive
us.”
And that’s why enrollment has taken a quantum leap at
High Point University since Dr. Qubein took over the lead-
ership role and why there’s an excitement among the staff
and faculty there.
Three leaders in their respective fields: The captain-
turned-colonel. John Cole. Dr. Nido Qubein. Each has
learned the secret of connecting as a habitual communi-
cation style.
Specifically, connecting with coworkers, customers, and
staff might be as simple as remembering people’s names,
sharing airtime, letting them see your foibles, or just let-
ting them know something of your personal life—whether
it’s the pain of your bunions or the pleasure of Uncle Mac’s
100th birthday bash with all your family home for the
weekend. That’s often why blogs become so popular—the
authors share their personal life (that their spouse likes
French cooking or their teen just had a scuba-diving scare)
along with their political philosophies or business tips.
Even though the majority of medical malpractice law-

Are You Concerned and Connected? 119