The Practice Growth Roadmap Starts Here

Recently we have looked at applying a growth mindset to key areas of your practice including feedback from patients in the form of online reviews. This week we will examine the importance of feedback from your staff.

Building a practice where your staff feels safe and inspired to share thoughts and ideas is critical to practice growth. Most leaders believe that their staff is comfortable speaking up or that the insight from their staff is not of great value. Both of these of assumptions are incorrect.

Building an environment where employees feel secure enough to offer ideas does not just happen, it is intentional and starts with a consistent communication strategy. A communication strategy is not dependent on the size of your staff but does measure your commitment to your staff and your practice.

A practice communication strategy should include one-on-one and full staff meetings. Providing scheduled times for your staff to share updates, ideas and concerns demonstrates that you value them. Consistent meetings are the foundation for growing your practice and should be structured to encourage engagement from all staff members. This dedicated time provides opportunities for staff recognition, a review of practice goals, updates, and time to reflect on learnings.

A learnings area on an agenda is of utmost importance and is an opportunity for all staff members to reflect on mistakes. I strongly encourage my clients to lead their staff in these discussions by identifying their own mistakes first. When a leader admits their mistakes, it displays vulnerability, builds trust and creates a safe environment for employee growth. With time, your employees will readily admit their mistakes and offer solutions that will enhance your practice. This allows your staff and your practice to build trust with each other and to grow.

So yes, your staff has ideas, they make mistakes and yes, they want an environment to express both. This can only be done when practice leadership is intentional, dedicates time to the staff and admits their own mistakes. Growing a practice begins with the growth of the staff and this starts with a safe environment where mistakes are accepted as growth opportunities.

If you’re ready to build a growth focused practice, please contact me at smays@impactpracticeconsultants.com.