One of the common denominators amongst under performing practices is a chiropractor who blurs the boundary between being a licensed health care professional and being a pal, buddy or friend.
When the relationship goes chummy, your influence diminishes. Which is ironic because often the motive for crossing the line into friendship is an attempt to show up softer and be more likable, imagining that this will make your recommendations more compelling and persuasive.
It doesn't.
A healthier strategy is to get your social needs met outside your practice. You may need a new hobby or join a service organization; the list is endless. When you do, you'll no longer need to squander your modest social authority by confusing being friendly with being friends. Not only will you more likely run on time, you'll have a more commanding presence and avoid the inevitable emotional deflation when patients subsequently discontinue their care.
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Comments (1)
Your wisdom always astounds me, thanks again Bill. I made the mistake of buying a practice that was based on the "buddy system". I quickly realized that the retiring doc had absolutely no influence and there were some severe growing pains as I crossed the line back from buddy to adviser... Slippery slope that's tough to recover from.
Posted by Aaron Smith | March 20, 2013 9:02 AM
Posted on March 20, 2013 09:02