$90,000 Reasons Your Practice Absolutely Needs Core Values
Every time I used to read about this idea of Core Values I would get a mini anxiety attack. Trying to answer the question, "Who are you?" or "What are your core values? "would send my brain into a self-attacking tailspin. The problem was that I always felt as though I could do better, whether personally or professionally, and that my present "self" was good, but not good enough. So when it was time to get serious and determine my core values, I started writing down all my aspirations. I came up with incredible idealistic values of the man I strived to be, which when looking back, would have given God a run for his money.
But the glaring issue was that none of these values described me NOW. What can I possibly write about myself currently that didn't seem like a "B-/C+" in my own mind? I thought to myself, "Everything I'm going to write down will probably be boring and I'm going to want to change it anyway." What a depressing assignment!
Well I'm here to tell you… Get over it!
Determining your core values WILL create an enormous impact in all areas of your life and practice. It absolutely has for mine.
Here are our 3 core values at Westminster Eyecare Associates:
• Provide excellent patient care
• Honestly and passionately serve the local community
• Maintain great office culture
Now please realize, these are not things we aspire to do someday. These are things WE DO NOW AND WON'T EVER STOP! At first, I'll admit, they didn't seem that awe-inspiring. They aren't flashy or very attention-getting, but we went with them, because they define who we are as a practice.
They are simple and easy to remember; they are genuine; and they are the truth. Now, I love them. I get amped up every time I say them. I'm extremely proud knowing that we accomplish these three values every single day! We say, do, and live these three core values as one cohesive team at Westminster Eyecare Associates. Every single decision we make at Westminster Eyecare must be in alignment with our core values, or we don't even bother acknowledging the situation. These values will actually decipher the decision-making process on a daily basis.
As you can see, this can become an extraordinarily simple, yet powerful, way to run a business. For instance, before we had our core values in place, we would struggle with certain decisions. There would be many factors like savings, profit, new technology, and outside opinions, that would distract us. About five years ago, we made a $90,000 mistake that would have never happened if our core values were in place. However, if the decision you make is aligned with your core values, then it will be the right decision every time. If you think that sentence sounded a little bit like "hocus-pocus", you are dead wrong.
You, as the business leader, need to live these values. There is the very true saying out there that goes, "hire slow...and fire fast". I couldn't agree more. However, I would add something: hire and fire by core values. Doing this will drastically improve turnover rate and alleviate negative influences on office culture. Don't even let the little things your employees say or do go against your core values.
Will this be an ongoing struggle? Absolutely! But if being a leader was easy, everyone would do it. So, if you don't already have your core values in place for yourself and your business, what are you waiting for? If you need help on figuring out what your core values should be, please don't hesitate to email me at jormando@uppercutadvantage.com.
Written by Dr. John Ormando
Owner of Westminster Eyecare Associates, Uppercut Consulting, and Mandalay Optical Lab
Dr. John Ormando and Dr. Scott Colonna
Owners of Westminster Eyecare Associates, Uppercut Consulting, and Mandalay Optical Lab
STAY INFORMED
Sign up to receive practice tips, events, specials, and more!
All Your Information is Protected When You Sign Up
Uppercut Consulting - All Rights Reserved 2018 ©
- 891 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903
- 407-502-8765
- info@uppercutadvantage.com
