5 factors for being a successful RD

1)      Being an excellent listener. If I am focused on my own agenda, I will completely miss what the client wants or is trying to tell me. We will both leave feeling frustrated and dissatisfied: the client, because I didn’t address their needs, and me, because the client isn’t going to do as I suggest and thus I didn’t help them. I became an RD to help people.

2)      Being Organized. If my calendar, files, office, work space, house and car is cluttered and disorganized, I waste time looking for things and time is money. It also makes me upset, frustrated and zaps my energy, creativity and productivity.   An organized person is confident and energized. They look and feel the part, as a professional should.

3)      Being Knowledgeable and Resourceful. There is so much information out there and it is ever changing. A successful RD should know what the hot topics are that the public is interested in and where they are getting their information from.  A successful RD should also be aware of what’s changing within the profession and medical community. I peruse through information daily to keep abreast of what’s out there. If I don’t have the answers, I have aligned myself with a variety of professionals that I can contact or refer others to.

4)      Involvement. Everyone is busy, but when we take the time the get involved within our profession, it increases our knowledge, visibility, pushes us into new areas of learning, and shows that we believe in our profession and feel it is important enough to promote and invest in its future. I have gained new friends, resources, and clients because I dared to get involved.

5)      Loving what they do. When someone loves what they do, they have energy and passion, which draws others in. Someone who loves what they do tends to be concerned for others. People sense that and that builds relationships and trust. When people feel you care, they are willing to partner with you and allow you to assist them with their goals. Loving what you do promotes creativity; it feels more like a hobby. It promotes interest and a desire to learn and improve; it inspires and invigorates.

Kim Fox, RD, LD, CDE

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