January 2005
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A Time For New Beginnings
As we begin the New Year and consider all we’d like to accomplish in 2005, it’s important to first review 2004. Practices that had clear strategic and operational objectives experienced phenomenal results last year. The more effectively we plan, and then implement our plan, the more likely it is that we will achieve and maintain the results that are meaningful to us.
As you revisit the things that matter the most to you, ensure the goals and objectives you develop are in alignment with your vision and values.
Facing Challenges
Areas that I consistently see Practices wanting to work on include team dynamics, the patient experience, marketing, comprehensive systems, time management and profitability. Some practices want a major overhaul, while others simply want to fine-tune things. No matter how effectively your operation is run, there is almost always room to make your Practice that little bit better. Frequently, it's the little extras that can greatly differentiate your Practice from others.
As you develop your strategic plan for this next year, remember that some of the challenges you face may have been building for a number of years. As Stephen Covey says in his new book, The 8th Habit, it takes time to work “yourself out of problems you have behaved your way into”. Turning those challenges around may be time consuming, but will be well worth the effort.
Commitment
Change can happen if you are committed to making your goals a reality. If you are not committed to following through and implementing your strategic plan however, there is little use in creating it. In fact, it can actually be damaging. In Practices where ideas are consistently not followed through, team members are likely to become cynical, seeing new initiatives as a total waste of time.
Interestingly, even when things are not going well, change can be a scary thing for many people. Although they may be bitterly complaining, there are individuals that have a difficult time doing what it takes to make things better. They disempower themselves by believing that others must first change their behavior before circumstances can improve.
The key is to get together with your team. Have a meeting where you brainstorm ways to improve your practice. Then, collectively determine how these ideas can effectively be worked into the daily flow of your practice. Identify which people will be responsible for the implementation of the ideas and how the outcomes will be measured.
Implementation
It really doesn't matter how much you know if you don't take action. Implementation is the difference between success and failure. If all you do is think and talk about all the things that could be done, nothing will improve. Involving your team members in the planning phase not only creates a better strategic plan to operate from, it also greatly improves their determination to follow through on the plan, ensuring the desired results are achieved.
Goals Worksheet
Click on this link for the Review of 2004 and Goals for 2005. As you answer the questions in this worksheet, you will begin by reflecting over the last 12 months. This is incredibly valuable information that will help you determine your goals and objectives for this new year.
Spend time creating lists on the goals you wish to achieve, adding to them as necessary. Even more time should be spent developing a clear strategy on how you will make your goals a reality.
These are not new concepts. However, what is common sense is not necessarily common practice. Contact me if you’d like to discuss how Strategix can put a smile on your face by helping you optimize your potential.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have had my newsletters cross your desk over this last year. As 2005 unfolds, I wish you every happiness!
About the Author
CoraMarie Clark, MBA is recognized as a highly effective Dental Practice Strategist. She works with dentists that want to optimize their potential both personally and professionally. Her collaborative approach has helped teams develop dynamic competitive strategies and achieve high impact sustainable results.
If you would like to explore the possibility of having CoraMarie work with your Dental Practice or speak for your Association or Group, contact us today.
CoraMarie Clark
phone 403.686.6136
email coramarie@strategix-ltd.com
web strategix-ltd.com
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