Are You Skating to Where the Puck is Going to Be?

In the fast-paced world of business, there are two types of leaders: those who chase the puck and those who skate to where the puck is going to be. The former group is constantly reacting to fires and problems as they arise, while the latter proactively shapes their future, anticipating challenges and opportunities before they materialize. The most successful practices are the ones that continuously evaluate their current position and strategically plan their next moves.

We cannot effectively manage a business by merely waiting for the next crisis to erupt. Instead, we need to adopt a forward-thinking approach. Here are three key areas where any owner, entrepreneur, manager, or practitioner can start shaping their own future:

1. Transparency in Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

One of the most powerful tools for shaping the future of your practice is your KPIs. These metrics provide a clear picture of where you are and where you need to go. However, many leaders are reluctant to share these numbers with their teams. They expect improvements and higher performance without providing the team with a clear understanding of the current situation.

If you want to harness the full potential of your team to move the needle in a particular area or improve overall practice performance, make sure they are aware of the numbers on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Transparency fosters accountability and a sense of ownership among team members. When the entire team understands the goals and their role in achieving them, they are more likely to contribute actively towards those goals.

2. Regular Evaluation of Systems and Scripting

Systems and scripting are the backbone of any successful practice. They dictate how tasks are performed, how patients are treated, and how payments are handled. However, these systems must evolve to stay aligned with your long-term objectives. If your current systems are outdated or no longer support your goals, you are simply chasing the puck.

Regularly reevaluate your systems and scripting to ensure they meet the needs of your practice. This includes everything from scheduling procedures to treatment presentation guidelines and payment options. By aligning your systems with your objectives, you can create a more efficient and effective practice that is always prepared for the future.

3. Training and Staffing

The third crucial area is ensuring that your team members are trained to perform their jobs to the best of their abilities. This involves both technical skills and soft skills. Additionally, it's essential to review whether your staffing levels are adequate to achieve your objectives.

Training should be an ongoing process, with regular updates to ensure everyone is up to date with the latest best practices and technologies. By investing in your team's development, you can improve their performance and increase their job satisfaction, leading to better outcomes for your practice.

In conclusion, shaping your future requires a proactive approach. By focusing on KPIs, regularly evaluating systems and scripting, and ensuring your team is well-trained and adequately staffed, you can skate to where the puck is going to be rather than chasing it. This forward-thinking strategy allows you to anticipate challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve long-term success.

Remember, if you've been in business for 25 years, you should go through this exercise at least 25 times. Continuous reevaluation and improvement are the keys to staying ahead of the game and consistently leveling up your practice.