5 Habits Clinicians Use to Earn Trust and Deepen Connection
Beyond checklists and protocols, it’s the how of communication that transforms care. These five habits help clinicians build trust, reduce misunderstandings, and create more fulfilling connections.
1. Listen Like It Matters
Listening has to be demonstrated. It’s not just eye contact — it’s reflection, validation, and curiosity before solutions. Active listening shows people you’re engaged.
In Practice: A nurse notices a patient hesitates before taking medication. She kneels slightly, looks them in the eye, and says, “You seem hesitant. What’s on your mind?” The patient shares a fear about side effects. The nurse nods, “That makes sense,” before calmly explaining what to expect. The patient relaxes, feeling heard and respected.
Why it matters: Active listening lowers walls, clarifies misunderstandings, and builds mutual trust. Patients and colleagues feel safer when they are truly heard.
2. Say It So It Lands
Narrate your thinking, explain your reasoning, and check for understanding by having others repeat back next steps. You can’t overcommunicate.
In Practice: A physician explains a complex test plan: “Here’s what I’m thinking so far, and why I’m ordering these tests.” She pauses, then asks, “Just so I’m clear, can you explain in your own words what the next steps are?” The patient articulates the plan, leaving confident and clear.
Why it matters: Transparency reduces uncertainty, builds trust, and prevents confusion or repeated questions.
3. Show Up on Purpose
Connection isn’t magic, and words alone aren’t enough. Pause to get present and focused. Make sure your words, tone, and body say what you want them to say. And don’t underestimate the power of a gentle touch.
In Practice: A resident takes a three-second breath before entering a room. He greets the patient with a steady gaze and gentle hand on the shoulder: “How are you holding up this morning?” The patient replies, “Not so great.” The resident sits down: “Let me sit so I can understand. What are you feeling?”
Why it matters: Presence helps you catch subtle cues, signals sincerity, and makes your care tangible. Small moments create lasting impact.
4. Stay Human — Especially When It’s Hard
Under stress, self-regulation is leadership. Notice your own reactions, ground yourself, and engage with calm presence.
In Practice: A patient snaps at a resident in the ED. Instead of reacting defensively, the resident notices their own tension, breathes, and responds: “It makes sense you’d be upset. Here’s what I can help with today.” The patient relaxes, and the interaction stays constructive.
Why it matters: Responding instead of reacting sets a collaborative tone. Calm energy diffuses tension and creates space for understanding.
5. Repair with Intention
Misunderstandings and mistakes happen. What matters is how you respond afterward. Take accountability, acknowledge feelings, and reset the relationship.
In Practice: A family member is upset after a delayed test result. The tech says, “I want to understand. What happened from your perspective?” After listening, they respond: “I’m sorry for the delay and how that felt. Here’s what I can do now. Thank you for sharing that with me.” Tension eases and trust is rebuilt.
Why it matters: Thoughtful repair signals care and accountability. It turns mistakes into opportunities to strengthen trust.
At The Eloquent Doc, we focus on exactly this kind of communication—real, in-the-moment skills that rebuild trust, strengthen teams, and bring meaning back into clinical work. These five habits are small, but together they shift culture.
Why These Habits Work
Communication is more than words. It’s a dynamic exchange of emotion, perception, and intent. Think of it like a dance: tune into your rhythm, read the other person’s, and adjust as you move together. Small moments have a big impact, and every interaction is an opportunity to build alignment.
Try It Today
Pick one habit for your next shift. Notice the difference in yourself, your patients, and your team.
Share what you discover—what’s working, what’s challenging, what surprises you. At The Eloquent Doc, we’re building a community of clinicians and leaders committed to making healthcare more human, one conversation at a time.
Join the conversation on Instagram, LinkedIn, or contact me directly. Together, we can create a culture of eloquence in healthcare — one patient, one interaction, one team at a time.