This episode dives into one of the biggest frustrations in physical therapy: feeling unheard at work. Rebecca Griffith breaks down how to communicate with leadership, advocate for patients, and avoid being labeled “difficult.”

Key Insights:

• Most leadership decisions are system-driven, not personal

• Curiosity beats criticism in tough conversations

• Timing, tone, and delivery matter as much as the message

• Not all feedback moments are created equal

• Small organizations allow more personalized communication

What This Means for PTs & Clinic Owners:

• You can advocate without damaging relationships

• Better communication leads to more influence—not less

• Understanding the system helps you navigate it

• Emotional reactions can sabotage valid concerns

• Leadership communication is a learnable skill

Tactical Takeaways:

• Ask: “Help me understand the goal of this decision”

• Write questions first—don’t react in the moment

• Clarify: is this decision final or open for input?

• Choose the right time and setting for feedback

• Focus on system impact—not just personal impact

Guest

Rebecca Griffith, PT, DPT

Sponsors

SaRA Health – patient engagement solutions

EMPOWER EMR – faster, smarter documentation

U.S. Physical Therapy – clinic growth and career pathways

Communication Skills PTs Need But Don’t Learn