Leading any organization of any size can be a difficult endeavor. Leadership in itself is subject to interpretation and variance by its very nature, but only if we allow it, and that becomes a choice. I have written much on leadership style and bedrock principles. I have learned along the way and often speak to the idea: business systems do the heavy lifting and leaders lead people. I believe that to be very true. I am also very big on systems and accountability. Below is my idea of what can happen when you lead with systems. It’s funny how people behave when they can visualize and get behind your vision.
Help them connect the dots.
Here is my idea on how to accomplish that sometimes complicated effort.
Vision, Mission, Values
- Who you are / Where you are going
- How you are going to get there
- Our rules
- Used as a tool (so much it becomes embedded in the company DNA)
5-Year Goal
- Think big
- Specific picture
- Belief
3-Year Goal
- Aligned with 5-year goal / Guidepost
- Specific
- Belief
Annual Solid Intention (1-Year Goal)
- Valuable, attainable, measurable, committed to memory, burning desire
- Guidepost goals
- The game/Goal (keep score, post the score, share the win)
- Teach team how to win
- Used to prioritize issues list
90-Day Rocks
- Path toward solid intention
- Priorities listing
- Reviewed / Modified at executive team meetings
Weekly Action Plans
- From the executive team meeting notes
- Results are a must / Exceptions require early notice and reasons
- Communicated to team via executive team member representative
Accountability Chart – Sales, Operations, Administration, Integrator, Visionary (only one name per box)
- Includes specific areas of responsibility
- Used for accountability / Action steps assignment
- Flat as practical
- Used for Communication (between executive team and the team, and from the team to the executive team)
- Appeals to integrator (who uses discretion)
Executive Team / Executive Team Meetings
- Department “Leaders” (own the process and results)
- Weekly meetings / Monthly meetings / Quarterly 90-day plan reviews
- Prioritize issues list
- Action steps assigned to individuals / Accountable for completion
- Written notes / Executive team binders
- Leadership training
CEO Briefings – Monthly Letter to the Team (and all stakeholders)
- Report on executive team initiatives
- Introduce new team members
- Reinforce the vision, mission, values (highlight specific achievements)
- Updates on the game/Goal (the score, what we are doing well, what we can do better to help us win)
- SOP Training (monthly tip)
Issues List
- Comprehensive listing of every issue standing between where you are and where you want to be
- Prioritized
- Reviewed / Strategized at monthly executive team meetings
Right People / Right Positions
- Must be aligned with vision, mission, values
- They have to “get it”
- They have to “want it”
- They have to have the “capacity”
- No square pegs in round holes
The Great Bullpen – Monthly Team Meeting
- After-hours / Food provided
- Compare behavior (actions) to vision, mission, values; when not congruent, agree to change the statements or the behavior (no head-shakes; total candor)
- Our current condition / Where are we at right now?
- Leadership briefing
- Leadership training / SOP training / Team-building exercise
- Game/Goal update
- Awards
Systems (for all major functions)
- Documented
- Trained
- Accountability
- SOP Development (continuous improvement)
Marketing / Sales
- Define your target market
- Competitive differentiators
- Patient process/Patient acquisition
Sharing of Success:
Share in team success stories and thank you statements among team members
There you have it! This is a very comprehensive outline you can use for success in your practice. If you would like guidance and assistance implementing a more robust culture of leadership experience in your practice, reach out to me today. It looks simple, but it is not easy. Contact me to help improve your overall results and develop more harmony in your practice every day!
I bet you can!
Jeff