When his little brother knocks over his Legos, my five-year-old is inclined to feel sorry for himself and give up. I encourage him to see this negative situation as an opportunity to build something bigger and better.
This principle is definitely true when leading your staff. Sometimes unhealthy cultures and frustrated staff can present you, the CEO, with an opportunity to knock the walls down and build back bigger and better.
Starting the rebuilding process begins with knowing what the heart of your practice is, the core values. All successful business leaders have core values on which they center their leadership. Successful optometry owners may find themselves using the core values in a motivational speech or as a teaching tool for growing immature staff members.
Here are some examples of core values that you could use. Remember that you must live the core values yourself, otherwise they are meaningless.
Integrity
Excellence
Quality care
The patient always comes first
Assume the best in all circumstances
Accountability
Dependability
Innovation
The most successful optometry offices are committed to core values which lead to continued improvement in patient care. Online search engine rankings, competitive insurance plans, and social media accounts are all tools that can enhance a growing practice, however, the secret to optometry practices that are robust and remain that way for decades is the commitment to patient care. This begins with a solid message and a set of core values that is lived out in the owners all the way to the newest staff hire.
For more core values, google “core values” and you will find endless examples.
#1 New York Times Bestseller EntreLeadership by Ramsey is a good reference on this topic.