Make no mistake about it. Staffing your practice will we be one of the biggest challenges you’ll ever face as a private practice owner.
One of the biggest mistakes that we can make as owners is to assume that staff values money more than any other reward.
The reality is, when HR experts are surveyed, they tell us that money is far from the first thing on your staff’s mind.
Rather, your staff values appreciation more than any other single thing from you!
It is also especially important to understand that when staff of any great organization are asked, they indicate that the hallmark of a great leader is giving them really accurate feedback.
Most people want to be told the truth more than anything else.
Of course, there are exceptions but if you have great hiring procedures in place you don’t have to worry about this one.
I find when consulting private practice owners, one of the biggest mistakes they make is not being clear or worse yet compliant with state and federal regulations as to what is expected from staff.
As physicians we are not trained in staffing as the high performing organizations, we are capable of being. Only direct patient care as a profession and some great consulting/training will ever change this.
For starters, go back and reread “The Emyth Physician. Read every DPC book you can get your hands on!
This is where some extremely basic tools such as job descriptions manuals and duties list go a long way towards simplifying the staffing process and making sure your private practice experience is one of the best available anywhere.
Another thing that gets ignored by all too many practice owners is failure to meet with your staff on a regular basis. Do not under emphasize the importance of this.
I have for many years advocated meeting with your staff in a nonthreatening environment on daily basis.
Honestly, just making some of these simple changes will go a long way toward accelerating your own private practice growth and profitability.
However, I urge you to get a strong self-education through business reading, coaching, and most importantly having a legal team on your side before you even advertise for help.
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* BE SURE your attorney has approved all applications, handbooks, and training materials. Realize these help protect you but are far from bullet proof and should be backed up by your business owner’s insurance policy with legal services covered!