Sometimes, we see the most unusual signs.
- Please don’t hit golf balls here.
- No microwaving fish, unless it’s shrimp.
- Pet dogs allowed; pet snakes are not permitted.
- No eating popcorn.
Surely these things have only happened once or twice. It seems very unlikely that everyone is bringing their pet snake to the store.
It can be tempting to put up a sign in hopes of stopping a certain behavior. But unless this behavior is happening all the time, is it really necessary to put up a sign? Wouldn’t these issues be better addressed person to person, on the rare occasion that they occur?
Let’s say 3 people have eaten popcorn in your lobby — while 300 people haven’t. Do we really want to make a sign to address everyone? Once we start making signage to enforce policies to the few “offenders,” we can end up with a medical practice full of unwelcoming signage.
If your practice feels like it’s full of rules, rules, RULES, this surely won’t make patients feel comfortable and relaxed before their appointment.
At GPD, our take is:
- If it happens once a day, or less, address it verbally.
- If it happens multiple times a day, consider a sign.
But a sign makes a policy valid.
Do you feel that a sign makes a policy official? This is understandable. But here’s another way to do it, that doesn’t create such a negative visual experience.
Have one small sign with practice rules.
Some can be real rules, and some can be silly rules. Personality and positivity are good ideas when it comes to signage! If you find that someone is breaking a rule, you can kindly say to them:
“I’m so sorry, but we have a no golf ball policy at our practice. Would you mind taking them outside?” while pointing to the practice rules sign.
Remember, too many negative signs don’t build value for the practice! Here are 6 ways to have more positive — and fewer — signs at your practice.