I was the Founding Father of the United States

Chapter 64 Expectation Management

As Chen Wenbin had predicted, the more he tried to shoo them away, the more the crowd refused to leave and began shouting at him.

"...Dr. Chen! We'd like to thank you in person!"

"We warmly welcome you to London!"

"Your allicin is the greatest discovery in the world!"

Look!

Manipulating the psychology of the masses is that simple. Often it's like using a calculator: output something and you get the corresponding result!

Chen Wenbin was initially slightly worried that not having arranged for people to act as accomplices beforehand might lead to awkward silences or dissenting voices, but the crowd's reaction quickly put him at ease.

"Gentlemen! Please be quiet!"

He raised his right hand, made a downward pressing gesture, then pointed to the right direction Anthony had indicated to him, and said seriously:

"My attendant told me that a lady's daughter is very ill, so I wanted to spend this afternoon treating the young patient... Please forgive me, I cannot answer your questions today!"

As he spoke, he stepped down the steps and walked to the iron gate of the mansion. Under the protection of Anthony and his men, and with the watchful eyes of the crowds on both sides, he arrived at the wall a few dozen meters away and found the woman Anthony had mentioned.

After seeing the woman's expression and the weak four or five-year-old girl in her arms, Chen Wenbin secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Although the situation was a little different from what he had expected, at least she wasn't a female swindler!

"...Madam, what's your name?"

Chen Wenbin looked at the chestnut-haired woman, who was somewhat attractive and dressed reasonably well, and asked with a smile.

Upon hearing this, the woman quickly freed one hand to curtsy, then said with tears in her eyes, "...Dr. Robin, you may call me Hayley."

"I... my Arya is sick. She's had a fever for three days now. My husband died last year, and I don't have any money left to take her to the doctor!"

Chen Wenbin didn't waste any words and said directly to the woman, "...Then please come in! I can try to treat little Ailiya; she needs to stay in a warm room right now!"

Hailey didn't move, hesitatingly saying, "But... Doctor, I have no money left! I have less than a pound left..."

Chen Wenbin saw through her thoughts at a glance, but he knew he absolutely could not announce in public that he would treat her daughter's illness for free... otherwise, dozens of poor people would come to him every day asking for free treatment!

This is the broken windows theory: once a principle is broken and someone benefits from it, it will trigger countless imitators!

If Chen Wenbin really did this for the sake of his reputation, the cooperation he just reached with Thomas Raven and others will be affected... So you think you're the only one with morals, that you treat patients for free, and that we're the only greedy doctors?

Moreover, the gratitude for free medical care will quickly fade.

If you stop providing free medical care, people will resent you because their expectations of you have been raised too high.

Managing how others expect you to succeed is a social challenge that everyone, from politicians to ordinary people, must face.

Because human nature is greedy, prone to taking advantage, easily forgets gratitude, and easily takes the efforts of others for granted.

Even with your closest parents and siblings, or your most loving partners, if you don't manage each other's expectations and let them know your bottom line and principles, your interests and even your life will be devoured by their ever-growing animalistic nature!

Therefore, when Chen Wenbin opened his clinic in Providence, although he would take time on weekend mornings to see the poor and often reduced the consultation fee, he rarely waived all the consultation fees.

The reason is simple: even if the consultation fee is only one or two pence, patients see it as a transaction. They don't have to bear too much moral burden or pressure, so they won't rationalize this moral pressure or feel that it's only right... Instead, they will feel even more grateful to Dr. Chen.

Chen Wenbin was very glad that he had studied psychology. Although he suffered from the aftereffect of no longer believing in the truth, goodness and beauty of humanity, it was indeed of great help to him... Psychology is the most practical skill for ordinary people!

He saw through Hailey's thoughts, so he asked directly, "...Haley, do you have any money on you?"

"...Here!" Hailey was taken aback, but quickly took out a few coins to hand to him.

Chen Wenbin waved his hand, turned to the butler Richard beside him, and instructed, "Richard, take this money, and then add another twenty pounds. Have the servants immediately brew some good quality coffee and hot tea to warm everyone up!"

Richard, a seasoned and astute man, immediately understood the brilliance of Chen Wenbin's move and nodded in admiration.

"...Yes, Your Excellency! I understand! I promise I will get it done for you!"

"Thanks!"

Chen Wenbin patted him on the shoulder with satisfaction, added a few more words in his ear, and then glared at Anthony, who was standing next to him and hesitated to speak, which startled the latter into swallowing back what he was about to say!

Hailey gave the money, and without Chen Wenbin saying anything, she naturally followed him into the mansion with her child.

Richard, who remained, announced loudly that Dr. Robin Chen was very grateful for everyone's presence, but the weather was too cold. To reduce the chances of everyone getting sick, he had set aside twenty pounds to provide hot coffee and tea for all the gentlemen and ladies present. He asked everyone to drink them to warm up before leaving!

After the news spread, everyone expressed their gratitude to Dr. Chen. Those who initially thought Chen Wenbin was somewhat arrogant immediately lost all their slight dissatisfaction!

After praising Dr. Chen, many people left with smiles without even queuing for coffee and tea.

Are they really just missing a cup of hot tea or hot coffee?

of course not!

Those who can afford to stay in Mayfair are not short of money for a cup of coffee, but Chen Wenbin's actions made them feel respected!

A legendary doctor, renowned throughout Britain and even Europe, who was about to be invited to the royal palace by the King, not only cared about their feelings but also worried about their illness... This is truly rare and touching!

After listening to Richard's respectful report, Doctor Chen simply smiled and didn't take it to heart.

This is actually not a particularly sophisticated tactic; it's simply a reverse approach to expectation management.

Lowering your expectations of those around you, your loved ones, and those you work with can make you more comfortable.

For strangers you want to gain their trust, you must raise their expectations, break their common sense, and make them feel respected, valued, and that their existence is worthwhile and meaningful!

Chen Wenbin's petty tricks are nothing special!

A truly brilliant psychology master can inspire millions to dedicate themselves to their goals...