|
|
|
Newsletter
Archives
Previous article: What do YOU believe?
Next article: Sam trudged into his office ...
The Horse Pulling the Cart
July 01, 2010
Remember the days of ignorance and bliss? I do. Dentistry was exciting, challenging, and for the most part, a whole lot of fun. We were finally earning a paycheck after so many years of school, exams, boards, and licensing. The world was ahead of us, and we were ready to tackle anything.
Then, of course, reality set in. "Reality", as in real life as a dentist in a profession that's as hard as any out there.
What were the unpleasant lessons you learned? Did you learn them "the hard way"? Or, did they just happen out of the blue? I've certainly had more than my share of both, and if you're reading this, you've probably had your share - or more than your share - of them, too.
So, what's the point of these hard lessons? Do they build character? Do they harden us to the harder lessons down the road? Do they knock us down to keep us grounded?
If you've been practicing at least 10 years, you know what I'm talking about. Under-performing staff, mistakes, unhappy patients, stealing from the practice, poor practice advice, staff turnover ... the list goes on!
A common theme in many dentists I coach is one of fatigue from this daily grind. Do you feel it? Do you feel like YOU'RE the one always trying to motivate your team? Do you struggle to get your staff just to do their basic job duties? Do you get frustrated with over-paid and under-performing team members? Do you just shake your head in frustration, disbelief, dismay, and pent-up anger? You're not alone.
How do you quit being the horse that's always pulling the cart? There's not an easy solution, but it is possible - very possible, and the doctors that have the guts to make the changes necessary to quit being that horse definitely return to days of returning to their practice and actually have FUN. Certainly, working with a professional coach helps you get there a lots faster, as a professional coach is not only trained and experienced, but has a bird's eye view of what's going on. He or she can get you where you want to go faster than any other way.
OK, so you're not ready for a professional coach. What are some things you can do to help yourself quit being that horse? Try these simple approaches and let me know what worked and didn't work for you.
· Make sure your staff is fully and completely trained. Don't assume they know; ask them.
· Every staff member must have a Job Description they are held accountable for.
· Quit trying to do everything in your practice. Delegate, delegate, delegate.
· Take more time off. Most every practice I know can produce the same amount by taking off at least one week every six weeks the entire year.
· Meet with each team member individually to collaboratively develop a growth plan for them.
· Have regular team meetings at least monthly and delegate leadership of those meetings.
· Let your team make more decisions - or at least have more input - about the direction of your practice.
Previous article: What do YOU believe?
Next article: Sam trudged into his office ...
Newsletter Archives
Now you can take a look at some of the back issues and
you’ll see what I have to offer — monthly insight based on
experience on how to move ahead, reach your goals, shift perspective,
and live life to its fullest.
Coaching | Services | Books
& More | About | Resources | Contact | Home
|
|
