5 best habits for practice owners that will change your life
Owning a chiropractic practice can be a challenging yet incredibly rewarding endeavor. It requires not just medical proficiency but also leadership skills, strategic thinking, and business acumen.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the industry for years, it’s never too late to adopt some life-changing habits.
Here are five habits I swear by, which have brought immense value to my own journey in chiropractic care.
1. Lead with EQ (Emotional Intelligence)
One of the most undervalued skills in the business world, let alone in healthcare, is emotional intelligence (EQ).
Leading with EQ means being in tune with your own emotions and the emotions of those around you, particularly your team.
This isn’t just about being ‘nice’; it’s about truly understanding and connecting with your staff. When team members feel valued, heard, and understood, they’re more motivated, loyal, and invested in the success of the practice.
– Takeaway:
Spend time building relationships with your team. Regular 1:1, o
pen communication, and simply being present can make all the difference.
– Action Item:
Read “Think Again” by Adam Grant. The book emphasizes the importance of re-evaluating what we know and being open-minded — crucial for leaders aiming to lead with emotional intelligence.
2. The Right People in the Right Seat
As Jim Collins famously said, “First get the right people on the bus, the wrong people off the bus, and the right people in the right seats, and then figure out where to drive.”
Your practice is only as strong as its weakest link. Hiring the right people and placing them in roles that play to their strengths is essential for a thriving practice.
– Takeaway:
Invest time in the hiring process. Look beyond qualifications – personality, drive, and cultural fit matter immensely. And remember, it’s always easier to train skills than it is to train attitude.
– Action Item:
- Dive into “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni. This insightful book delves deep into the core challenges teams face and offers solutions to build a cohesive and synergistic team.
- Get My Hiring Resources Guide – Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned my approach to hiring. I’d love to share with you my personal list of top interview questions and the top grading guide I rely on.
3. Measure Everything – KPIs are Your North Star
In chiropractic care, as in all businesses, what gets measured gets managed.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are a powerful tool to guide your practice towards success.
From patient satisfaction scores to financial metrics, having a clear understanding of where you stand helps in setting goals, addressing challenges, and celebrating victories.
– Takeaway:
If you’re not already doing so, start documenting and tracking your KPIs. Regularly review them, adjust strategies as needed, and ensure your entire team understands their importance.
– Action Item:
Discover the insights from “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. The book explores how companies transition from being good to outstanding, and the role of data and metrics is central to this transition.
4. Be World-Class at the Process
Your practice isn’t just about the end results but also the journey.
Excellence in every step of the patient’s experience – from the first call to follow-up appointments – is paramount. Consistency in the quality of care and service builds trust and ensures patient loyalty.
– Takeaway:
Audit your processes periodically. Is there a step in the patient journey that could be improved? A little fine-tuning can often lead to significant enhancements in patient satisfaction.
– Action Item:
Learn from “Never Lose a Customer Again” by Joey Coleman. This book offers a step-by-step guide to improving the customer experience, ensuring that every touchpoint in the patient’s journey is optimized for satisfaction.
5. Embrace Technology
In today’s digital age, technology isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity.
From electronic health records to online appointment scheduling and telehealth, integrating technology can vastly improve efficiency and offer better patient care.
The right tech tools can automate tasks, streamline operations, and provide valuable insights into your practice’s performance.
– Takeaway:
Regularly assess the tech landscape for tools and solutions that fit your practice’s needs. Don’t be afraid to innovate and integrate new solutions that can drive growth.
– Action Item:
Download my “AI Guide” Stay ahead of the curve by understanding how technology can be your ally in offering top-notch care and streamlining operations.
To conclude, while the world of chiropractic care is ever-evolving, certain principles remain timeless.
By leading with heart, investing in your team, measuring your success, striving for excellence in every process, and leveraging technology, you can set your practice up for unparalleled success.
Remember, it’s not just about treating patients; it’s about building a legacy of care that stands the test of time.
Your questions and feedback are always welcome and appreciated!
Connect with us on Instagram or email us at [email protected]