Questions or Declarations?

“When it comes to the art of persuasion, we have typically been led to think of the following format: opening statement, make a point, state an argument. Then there is a long stream of declarations, statements, affirmations, presentations, proclamations, and pronunciations to slowly build an argument with as few holes as possible and as many powerful assertions as one can fit in a breath.”

This is how many of our discussions and arguments proceed each day, and each of us is likely guilty of this process to some degree. But what if there is a better way? What if, instead of declaring your knowledge and position on a subject, you began utilizing questions instead? Would that not be a more inclusive and productive process for discussions?

Questions may typically be considered reactive or proof that you don’t know the answer to something. We typically believe that those asking questions are proclaiming that they have a weak position, are unknowing, or uncertain in their beliefs. But in truth, questions can gather the time, information, and connectivity to persuade in ways that simply proclaiming what you believe cannot accomplish.

Consider this, you own every declarative comment that comes out of your mouth. Many times, this declaration is from a perspective, whether singular or plural, and may lack some degree of accuracy. The very act of declaring a point means that the issue is irrefutable in your mind, until it is in fact refuted and proven wrong. This position may lead one to “win” in what subconsciously becomes a competition or challenge instead of the discussion and growth opportunity it may be.

With questions, you are guilty of nothing except seeking information. If you ask a line of questioning that disproves your belief, you can always say “I didn’t know and that’s why I asked.” With questioning, you are engaging in discussion and fact-finding verses arguments and declarations of what you consider facts. Who would you find more engaging and reasonable, the person who is honest and ask fair questions or the person who says things that are obviously not true? The person who is inquisitive or the person who lies with conviction?

I would suggest that a bad question is almost always better than a false declaration or assertion. This is an area that I endeavor to improve upon personally. Here in HCESD # 2, we are a team, a diverse family that strives to constantly improve. Perhaps we can all incorporate more inclusions and validations through less abrasive questions instead of declarations as we continue improve.

**Reference: Gowdy, Trey. Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: Using the Power of Questions to Communicate, Connect, and Persuade. New York: Crown Forum, 2020. **

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EMS Billing Charts

Our EMS billing collections total for the month of October is currently $60,625.03. This represents an 46.8% increase from October 2019.

Our 2020 Year to date collection total is $363,495.54. This represents a 2.5% increase from this same time in 2019.

September saw a collection income of $2,301.83 with an annual total collected of $9,461.14

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Active 911 Responses

October saw 44 primary fire responses and 183 primary medical responses as defined by the Active 911 System. This represents an annual total of 1974 fire and ems events.

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EMS Training Events

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Credentialing Article

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EMS Supply Reports

Remaining Line Item Funds:

EMS Operating Supply: $3,696.48

EMS New Equipment: $142.71

EMS Repair and Testing: $2,365.32

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Quality Improvement

Our team completed QA reviews on 100% of all medical calls for the month of October.  Great job team!!

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