First impressions can determine how others will view an individual for quite some time. In business, these interactions are crucial, and humans make snap decisions in the first seven seconds of meeting a person. According to Forbes, the human brain is hardwired this way as a prehistoric survival mechanism to allow people to quickly identify friends versus foes.
A travel nurse or travel therapist should consider the impressions he is giving those first few moments in order to make the best initial connection with new colleagues. Impressions are largely determined by nonverbal cues (rather than verbal). Studies have found nonverbal cues make up over four times the impact on a first impression than anything one says during those initial seconds.
In order to adjust a travel nurse’s strategy to make the best first impression possible, she may wish to consider implementing these tips:
1. Make eye contact. If a travel nurse or travel therapist looks in either a patient’s or new colleague’s eyes during their first meeting, they are more likely to believe she is interested in the conversation or establishing a relationship.
2. Use the name of an acquaintance in the conversation. By saying the name of someone she just met in the conversation, a travel nurse or travel therapist not only increases her chance of remembering the person’s name, but also makes the discussion more personable.
3. Judge what speaking style is appropriate for the situation. Every conversation a travel nurse has may require a different speech pattern. However, while being comfortable in the workplace is important, a travel nurse or travel therapist may not wish to speak to a colleague in the same manner they do with a close friend.
4. Sit and stand straight. Posture can communicate a variety of emotions, and in the workplace, it is best to appear confident, poised, friendly and approachable. Convey this by standing straight and smile when appropriate.
5. Professional appearance. A clean, proper appearance tells most people that the person is in control and responsible – all good qualities for a travel nurse or travel therapist to have. Dressing appropriately for the job at hand can add further credibility.