February 2005

Achieving (and keeping) balance

by Dr. Noel Lloyd

I typically write about marketing for new patients, practice building and associates. This article's different. It's about taking time for other priorities without trashing your practice, while enjoying a fuller life.

"Dad, we're going to Africa." Chris, my younger son and a high school junior, wasn't asking me, he was informing me. All I could manage was, "We are?" He had just come out of a Bible study where he learned about the AIDS crisis in South Africa and a ministry to AIDS orphans. The biblical message of caring for widows and orphans had reached his heart and he truly desired to help.

I had never wanted to go to Africa for any reason, but out of respect for Chris I checked into to it. After meeting with the ministry leadership and several conversations with my son, I knew he really wanted to go and, for the very first time, so did I.

What touched my heart was a video of the founder, Rob Smith, carrying a baby boy. Rob gave him a kiss on the cheek, like many of us have done to our own children a thousand times.

"This one probably won't make it." Rob said. "He's HIV+. But we'll try to give him the quality of life that we would want for our own children."

Getting my mind around the suffering of the 11,000,000 AIDS orphans in sub‑Saharan Africa was too abstract, but I felt a father‑like connection with that little guy. He had no parents and almost no chance. I was hooked.

But then came the dilemma.

I have a busy consulting practice and multiple chiropractic clinics, which require my full attention each week. I had never taken more than a week away from either in more than 15 years and this would be a three‑week trip to the other side of the world.

On the other hand, at the end of my life I knew I wouldn't be wishing that I had spent more time in the office and less time with my family. I wanted to use that knowledge before it's too late.

Also, my son will soon be leaving my wife and me with an empty nest. So whatever else this trip was, it was a gift to me that he wanted to go on this great adventure with his dad. I know fathers who would love that honor.

I have always told Chris that he is more important to me than work. But talk is cheap. Was I going to pay up? After a few conversations with my wonderful wife and a lot of prayer (South Africa is second only to Columbia in homicides) we were going.

Most chiropractic practices suffer miserably when the owner leaves. Even the best vacation relief doctor can't match your personal touch. But it doesn't have to be that way.

I've coached clients through extended absences many times before. One wanted me to help her through a special two‑month vacation away from her busy 500+ per week practice. When she came back, her patients were still there and she was greeted by her best collections month ever. Several other clients who chose not to see patients anymore were able to do their best years without actually working in their practice.

How I prepared for my trip

First, I had already developed key people, delegated responsibility and I regularly inspect the work that I expect to be done. This must be accomplished before you leave.

Second, I formulated a plan to not be missed. Every job I have was delegated.

Third, I shared my vision and goals with my staff and outlined how they would continue to grow and even set records in my absence.

Fourth, I met with my clinic directors, managers and marketing people. Everyone could articulate their goals and responsibilities. Each person understood his special assignments and had a checklist (I love checklists!) and knew what to do in case of an action block or emergency. For the new office under construction I arranged two meetings with the clinic director and the contractor.

Doctors Newman and Lenarz, aided by my right arm, Gretchen, would take care of Five Star clients and seminars. I was clear of all my responsibilities two days before I left.

The blessings and the heartbreak we found in South Africa can't be told in the space here, but what I found when I got home may be of interest.

I returned refreshed and eager to go to work. Both businesses scarcely knew I had left. We had even set a new record in one of my clinics.

Do you need to step away for a while?

***  Develop your key people.

***  Formulate a plan to not be missed.

***  Goal set to prospect in your absence.

***  Give everyone assignments and checklists.

***  Go and enjoy.

(Dr. Noel Lloyd founded Sound Chiropractic Centers more than 30 years ago. He is president of Five Star Management and has coached thousands of doctors over the last 20 years. Call him at 800‑224‑4876, or e‑mail noellloyd@myfivestar.com. Visit Five Star at www.myfivestar.com)