Issue 1 - January 2003

Team Tips By Susan Hoy
From ordinary to extraordinary: How to become a better team member

Teamwork. It doesn’t happen overnight. Creating a dynamic team is a continual process that includes the desire to become a better chiropractor and team leader. A team is only as good as its leader!

Of course, creating a dynamic team is not just the chiropractor's responsibility. Each team member has a responsibility to the chiropractor and the rest of the team as well.

Here are 12 suggestions to share with your chiropractic staff to help them become better team members – and for you to become a better practice specialist who sees the value in creating a dynamic practice that reaches out into the community and changes lives of the people there.

1. Believe – in yourself, your chiropractic philosophy, the value of chiropractic and the total “you.” If you do not possess a confidence and unfaltering belief in yourself, how can you expect your patients to have confidence when they visit your office?

2. Be excited and enthusiastic. Let chiropractic care that is administered in your office, the success of patients who follow through with care and your part of a team of professionals who make a difference in patients' lives every day invigorate your spirit.

3. Focus. Set goals, solve problems and become willing to grow both as an individual and as a practice specialist.

4. Leave personal problems at home. Bringing personal problems to the office has an adverse effect on other staff members as well as patients. Realize that we owe it to our patients to create a healing environment where they can receive our focused attention.

5. Look professional. Present a professional demeanor that includes personal appearance and cleanliness and encompasses the office environment, paperwork and procedures. If you want to be treated like a professional, act like one!

6. Go the extra mile. Do whatever it takes to care for your patients and your team.

7. Take charge but remain flexible. We work in an ever-changing profession. Keep in mind that what worked yesterday, may not work today. Our goal should always be to streamline, simplify, organize and systemize our practice in order to serve more people.

8. Keep learning and growing ... Learning and growing go hand-in-hand. Learn as much as you can about chiropractic and share what you have learned and experienced. Step out of your comfort zone each day in order to grow as an individual and to grow your practice.

10. Think teamwork. Master your responsibilities as a team member so that others can trust your abilities.

11. Work hard and smart. Give your chiropractic an honest day's work.

12. Practice the Golden Rule. Treat every patient and staff member with respect and compassion.

Finally, know and share your chiropractor's vision. Remember, there are multitudes of people in our own communities who would benefit from chiropractic care. Set common goals and reach out with professionalism and compassion.

_ Susan Hoy is a chiropractic team trainer and consultant.