April 2007

Do you minor in the majors or major in the minors?

by Dr. Timothy J. Gay

A while back, I was listing to a speech by a former President of the United States and he made a statement that pertains to our ability to make decisions.

The statement brought out many points based on the inability to see what is really important, and without this being addressed, can keep us from where we want to be.

It seems as if every day, we are faced with some very simple decisions that should be made on the spot. Yet, we have the tendency to play in the minors based on complacency or our present comfort level in life. Our priorities are compromised because we can't seem to take a slight risk, move off the dime, and make a decision.

Chiropractors have had the opportunity to play in the majors many times, but we have chosen to carry on in the minors. Whether it is national advertising and marketing campaigns, state or national legislative action, our rights to practice, the ever‑eroding insurance reimbursements for the services our patients deserve, these are all issues that continue to affect our practices, our livelihood, and our families.

Playing in the majors is just that. You have to train hard and make decisions quickly. In order to achieve this, there is some risk that has to take place. You need to have certainty and knowledge about your ability and have the aptitude to "just do it."

Starting with your personal life, some questions arise.

Do you procrastinate on important issues that you need to accomplish but don't because you think it means additional work? As we go through life with our careers and busy lives, we have the tendency to take the path of least resistance and just get by on what we have done in the past.

Following through and accomplishing impending issues should be your top priority and at the top of your "To Do" list. Sometimes the monumental issues and decisions you are facing have been neglected and have grown into a major problem that may need a major solution. If this is you, write down the things that hold you back in your personal life. As a major player, start finding the solution and make the decision to move forward. You have only so much hard drive left on your brain and the sooner you recognize this and do something positive for yourself the sooner you will have the ability and power to move forward.

What are the people like that you work with in your practice? Do they have the same drive and commitment to your patients that you have? Is complacency holding your team back? The point being, you should develop a team around you that will duplicate your efforts. Ask the team members a series of questions that pertain to their jobs and responsibilities. If you don't have job descriptions develop them so everyone knows what they are accountable for, so there are no questions as to who is responsible for what task.

The follow through and delegation of these descriptions will help you get your team to the majors with you. If any of your players indicate they may not want to be in the majors, cut them from your team. It may mean a little more work at first covering their duties and finding a replacement, but that is what it takes to play at this higher level.

If you like where you are now, then please move on to another article because the next thing we are going to discuss is wasted time.

If you like to chat with your team, I suggest you do it first thing in the morning and right after lunch to make sure that everyone is on the same frequency. Discuss attitude, focus, special services, and internal referrals. Have your team take turns at conducting your daily or weekly meetings to get everyone's input, otherwise it will become boring. The key to being a major player is to have fun at what you do and keep things interesting and inspiring.

Look for ways to use your time more efficiently in your office. Get the things done that a major player would do, such as your reports that keep piling up. Reduce the clutter and make sure your desk and work area is cleaned and organized by Friday.

I have touched on just a few of the components necessary to be a major player. One primary issue overlooked is your participation in and involvement with chiropractic and the things that affect your ability to practice your craft. I cannot stress enough, the importance of volunteering your time, energy, and knowledge, back into the chiropractic profession. This assists you greatly in becoming a major player in your community and in society.

If you don't feel as though your voice is being heard, I have a question. Is it better or worse for chiropractic if you do not involve yourself? The more energy we put forth at our local levels, and having more chiropractors work together on the various issues facing us, the sooner we will be regarded as ‑‑ and included ‑‑ in the majors. In many states, there are legislative attacks on several fronts, and more doctors should be prepared and willing to step up to the plate and do what is necessary to preserve chiropractic and our practices.

So, at the end of the day where do you fit in as a major player? Are you someone who waits to see the outcome or someone who creates the outcome? It's all out there and it is up to all of us to be aware, responsive, and take a proactive stand and be a part of the solution.

See you in the majors.

(Timothy J. Gay, DC, a 1977 Palmer College graduate, is the founder of Ultimate Practice Systems, a chiropractic management and consulting company specializing in personalized chiropractic consulting [on the web at www.ultimatepracticesystems.com]. He is a highly respected and nationally recognized speaker, and author of several books, as well as numerous CD and video products for the chiropractic profession. Dr. Gay holds seminars around the country on a variety of topics and may be reached by calling 1‑866‑797‑8366, or via e‑mail at timothygaydc@ultimatepractice.com.)