One of the most challenging aspects of owning and operating your own chiropractic practice is that the buck stops with you.
There are so many wonderful things about owning your own practice, but this particular factor frustrates many chiropractors we work with. Being the owner requires you to exercise your leadership skills to get your team to work together for success.
The fact of the matter is you can’t lead others unless you are in the a positive position to lead. The proper care of your team begins with proper care of the team leader — yourself.
Burnout — It’s Just As Serious As It Sounds
Before you try to sharpen someone else’s sword, you need to be aware of how sharp yours is. Burnout is just as serious as it sounds, and it saps the energy and passion that inspired you to go into owning your own practice begin with. Without that passion, your willingness and ability to do what it takes to make your practice a success will diminish quickly.
Burnout Symptoms
Are you at risk of burnout? See if any of the following are familiar.
You feel constant pressure and an inability to relax
You find that you are resenting your patients rather than wanting to help them
You dislike working with your employees because you feel as though they are always making demands
You snap at your significant other when asked how your day went.
These descriptions might seem far-fetched at first glance, but they are indicative of a way of life for many medical professionals, including chiropractors. They’ve become so entrenched in their practices or so stuck in fast-forward that they “don’t have time” for creativity, fun, relationships, or just resting.
You play two roles in your practice, both employer and employee. If you worked for an employer who expected you to work non-stop, paid less than you are worth, and never allowed time off, you would have your resume updated and you would be on your way. Although you would never treat your employees this way, how are you treating yourself?
What started as an exceptional burst of achievement can easily become chronic overload and the consequences are serious. Not only does that non-stop pace sap your energy, it can also sap the motivation of your team as a whole.
Stay Fresh & Engaged
To ease the overload, start by outsourcing the tasks that leave you feeling drained. If payroll is running you dry, consider delegating the task to an outside company. If you’ve been following our blog, you know the importance of attracting quality employees and hiring a strong team. Don’t be afraid to give them some additional responsibility if they can handle it!
Take Time Off…Regularly!
Some chiropractors we come across insist that they cannot take time off or afford to hire a covering doctor. Whatever point your practice is at, you are the one running the show, but your leadership skill should mean you’ve trained someone to handle things so you can take some time away. If that hasn’t happened yet, it is time to make a plan so you can enjoy a stress-free vacation in the very near future.
A huge part of self-care is knowing when to take the time to unwind and relax. Clearing your mind won’t just improve your personal well-being, it will help you to reassess the direction you are heading in.
Create A Positive Work Environment
Be aware of the type of work environment you are creating for your employees. An over-worked and over-tired boss doesn’t equate to a great leader. Be sure that you are treating your team the way you would expect to be treated, are sharing positive and thoughtful feedback, and are giving your team the opportunity to grow and develop. As their skills continue to improve, you will feel more secure sharing in the responsibilities of the practice.
Share Your Goals
To achieve your goals of a successful chiropractic practice, you need to be a in a healthy mindset. Share your plans for growth with your team, invest in them, and they will help you get there.
If you want them to help you grow your practice, sharing your vision along with a message of positivity and optimism will help get you there. For more tips on avoiding burnout and reaching success with your chiropractic practice, contact us for a free coaching call!