If you want to improve your business, the best advice we can offer is to be intentional.
Consider your strategy and goals and put a lot of intention, action and oversight into making sure they happen by design. Strategy by default won’t give you the competitive edge you need to achieve our goals. You have to work hard at it every single day.
Here are some of the actions you can take right now to move your practice in a positive direction.
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Increase transparency
Share information. Talk about your cash balance and how you manage it, particularly as it pertains to frame inventory. This builds trust and a common desire to see a positive change.
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Reconfirm the vision
As new employees come on board, take the time to clearly articulate your vision, mission and values to them. Give them examples of what makes your office special and unique.
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Fire someone
Keeping someone who does not fit with the values and vision of the practice person signals to everyone else that you’re willing to tolerate mediocrity.
Fire this person. Do it today. Do it humanely, do it legally. But do it.
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Thank someone with a handwritten note
It takes time and thoughtfulness on the part of the sender to hand-write a note. It’s a real, tangible thing. Think of someone in your organization who’s done something great, and thank them with a handwritten note.
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Give public praise
When someone in your practice does something amazing, walk into the center of your office and make that announcement. Publicly share this individual’s accomplishment, and why it was exceptional.
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Do the job no one wants to: a recall
If a patient cancels or no shows at the last minute, do something extraordinary. Do a recall. Keep going until you make an appointment. Show that this is a critical job and not above anyone’s pay grade, because without patients, no one has a job!
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Take your team to lunch
Reserve a private room at a nice restaurant, and take a two hour lunch. Don’t skimp, get loads of appetizers and order everyone desert. Show your love for the people who grind it out for you every day.
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Ask for feedback
Everyone has room to improve – even you. So, send an email to your entire team and ask for their help. What could you do differently? What could the practice do differently?
Do you want to start improving your business today? Do these 8 things. Do them now.
KELLY HRYCUSKO
is the co-founder and managing partner of Simple Innovative Management Ideas (SIMI) Inc. and expert Practice Management contributor for Optik magazine. She can be reached at info@simiinc.com.
