The most effective way to manage change successfully is to create it.
Peter Drucker
Hardly a day goes by when I’m not faced with some type of change.
My phone informs me my software needs updating. WebPT tells me to change my password even though it seems like I just changed it last week. Medicare is rolling out another program that is going to either reduce reimbursement or increase my paperwork.
We live in a period of rapid change. In times of upheaval, such as the one we are going through within healthcare, change is the norm.
When you think about it, one cannot manage change itself. One can only strive to be ahead of it. Don’t be mistaken; it takes a lot of hard work to try to stay ahead of change.
It’s sometimes painful and involves taking risks.
It seems safer to let someone else take the risk and do all the hard work of innovation. However, if you don’t see that it’s your responsibility to lead change, even if it’s your own career, you will not survive.
Pundits say there is no need to worry. The aging population and Obamacare have created new demand for rehab services. The future demand for therapy figures to be greater than ever.
But don’t be deceived by the predictions for an abundance therapy jobs. Not all jobs are created equal. The positions you find might have an overemphasis on productivity and not even come close to fulfilling your career goals.
In periods of rapid change like the one we are going through the only ones who will survive are the change leaders.
It is not the strongest or the most intelligent that will survive, but those who can best manage change.
Charles Darwin
Change leaders see change as an opportunity not something to avoid.
Similar to start up successes like Uber and Airbnb there are opportunities for therapists to expand into market opportunities that don’t presently exist.
The CrossFit fitness program has quickly become a household brand and is offered in over 13,000 gyms across the world. In the future there will be similar opportunities for therapists to develop culturally relevant programs.
A change leader seizes the moment and looks for change. Change leaders learn how to make the right movements within their own career and organizations.
To make your own future is risky. However, it is less risky than not trying at all or allowing someone else to make it for you.
Here are three steps you can take to be a change leader:
-
Take Personal Responsibility for Change
Too much time and energy is wasted complaining about the way things are and the way things used to be. Change leaders takes personal responsibility for getting results for themselves and their organizations.
Change leaders inspire and build into others so that they can see themselves as change leaders. They accept accountability not only for their own performance but also for organizational growth and community impact.
Are you personally committed to getting results or have you settled for going through the motions?
-
Hang Out with Other Change Makers
There’s nothing quite like being around people who are making a difference in their world. Most therapists are busy and have little time to take advantage of networking opportunities.
Change leaders make it a priority to get out of the clinic to interact with professionals who are leading the charge in other industries.
There are numerous opportunities both online and off line to get connected with others who will challenge your assumptions and support your growth.
I participate weekly with a group of men who are mostly from the auto sales industry. I’m regularly challenged by their integrity and drive to make an impact in the lives of others.
What network opportunities are available for you to learn from leaders in other industries?
-
Soar with Your Strengths
Don Clifton, creator of the Strengths Finder personal assessment tool was know to say you’ll have more impact by soaring with your strengths than working on your weaknesses.
You can only perform with your strengths.
When you look for others to work with you on your team, know their strengths. When you see needs within your community try to match it with organizational strengths.
Change leaders keep learning. Look for trends and seek out learning opportunities to gain information that you can translate into the healthcare industry.
There are many opportunities online for change makers to be inspired, challenged, and educated to be in front of change.
What courses or webinars are you taking that challenge your assumptions and force you to think BIG?
Don’t miss your opportunity to be a change maker.
As therapists we have tremendous opportunity to use our abilites, education and expertise to enhance client’s lives. What a privilege? If your are in the therapy business to serve people, then my new book On Fire: Ignite Your Passion with a Cash Therapy Practice will help you.
On Fire takes a close look at innovative therapists who are using alternative ways to deliver high-value care to their patients. Cash therapy services have emerged as a viable alternative to accepting business as usual.
If you are intrigued by the attention that cash-based practices are attracting On Fire is a great primer to help you get up to speed on the key issues and how if might impact your practice. The book is available on Amazon. If you are interested in getting your own copy join my email list and I’ll keep you up to date on the special pre-order bonuses I’m giving away.
Connect with me
- Read Paul Potter’s blog about, cash practice, at home practice, productivity, functional testing and keeping a work-life balance.
- Subscribe, rate and review on iTunes
- Follow me on my Facebook Page
- Follow me on Twitter
