- Have you ever been “busy” all day, but didn’t achieve your goals? You were probably distracted.
- Ever wonder why you feel frustrated at work? Distractions might be slowing you down.
- Ever feel stressed out? Distractions might be the source of this.
Examples: Supplies ran out unexpectedly, salespeople dropped in without appointments, discussions about personal problems, insurance company collections difficulties, patients phoning in with random questions, sunny days, rainy days, holidays, gas prices, and more.
The problem is…
As a healthcare professional, you have a split personality when you are at work. One side of you is the healthcare provider and you need to focus totally on delivering the awesome quality service the patient or client is paying you for. The other side of you is the owner of a business with staff to care for and decisions to be made. And it is sometimes hard to coordinate both halves successfully and not feel too busy, frustrated and stressed.
How do you handle distractions?
The answer is to get organized. A well-organized business understands distractions and organizes to deal with them. For instance, a morning meeting to plan the day with your staff can take up the admin issues that need to be dealt with; someone delegated to be in charge of supplies and a system of written notification of supplies that are getting low BEFORE they run out and it becomes an emergency; a policy that personal phone calls are to be dealt with OFF of production time, etc.
Being asked for decisions on the fly is a huge distraction. Ask that your staff propose solutions in writing to you and put them on your desk so that you can sit down and think about what is the right decision when you are ready. For example, they can take the time to do the legwork such as getting 3 quotes on new equipment or supplies that are needed. Then present a proposal with all 3 quotes and their recommendation as to which one you should go with. Then you just sign off “approved” or “disapproved (and say why)”.
Suggestion:
For a few days, note down on a pad of paper every distraction that happens. Then sit down with your staff in a meeting and work out what systems and policies will handle those in the future. Because everyone had a hand in creating the systems, there will be more ownership of the policies and they will be adhered to better.
You will make much faster progress toward your goals and ultimate success when you are well-organized and not distracted. Not to mention that you will have more enjoyment of your practice!
For ultimate expansion without frustration and stress,
take advantage of our free, in-depth Practice Analysis:
Call: 416-466-6217 or fill out the form below for an appointment.
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