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TMD: Lesson Learned on the Big Island

TMD: Lesson Learned on the Big Island

by | Nov 14, 2023 | Blog

Two Minute Drill: Lesson Learned on the Big Island

Today, I’m coming to you from the Big Island in Hawaii. It’s truly fantastic and so beautiful here. I am fortunate and grateful to be here for all our chiropractic events this week. I arrived on Wednesday, and I hadn’t showered for a couple of days because I went to the ocean and was hanging out with friends, thinking, “Whatever.”

 

 

The Power of Patience

I was staying at a hotel where the ChiroCongress, Clinical Compass, summit meetings, and the Future of Chiropractic Strategic Planning Meeting were held. I was excited to take a nice hot shower. 

So, I get into the shower, turn the knob, but there’s no hot water. I wait and wait, still no hot water. I even tried turning it the other way, just in case, but it only got colder, so I quickly turned it back and ended up taking a cold shower. 

I went down to the front desk and asked for someone to come and fix the shower so I could enjoy a hot one. 

They sent someone to my room, and I received a text from the hotel stating it was fixed.

Eager for a hot shower before my night out with friends, I went into the bathroom. And this is what they did to fix the show

So, what happened? 

Well, I was very impatient… 

Feeling the immediate cold water, I thought it must be wrong and turned it back, not knowing which way was hot or cold on the shower knob. 

All this made me realize the lesson here is about patience. 

I’ll never forget, in chiropractic school, the dean of students telling me, “Listen, I know you’re struggling, but you have to be patient. Not everything will happen when and how you want it. Just stay focused on the process and the inputs, and ultimately you will achieve your goal.” 

Achieving the goal of taking a hot shower wasn’t in the cards for me those couple of times because I wasn’t patient enough to turn the knob the other way and wait to see what would happen. 

The lesson for me, and perhaps for some of you, is when trying things, exercise a bit of patience. Sometimes, wait a little longer to see if the decision you’re making is the right one. 

That’s this week’s Two Minute Drill. 

I’ll talk to you all soon. 

Have a great week. 

  

Your questions and feedback are always welcome and appreciated!
Connect with us on Instagram or email us at [email protected]

TMD: A Modern Take on Ancient Hawaiian Leadership

by | Nov 7, 2023 | Blog

Two Minute Drill: A Modern Take on Ancient Hawaiian Leadership

What’s up Kaizenovators, Happy Tuesday Two Minute Drill. Today I’m coming to you from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, with some historical sites right behind me, including King Kamehameha’s residence. He ruled the Hawaiian Islands from 1792 through 1819 and was recognized as a great leader. A key aspect of his leadership was his tremendous vision. 

 

 

Leadership Lessons in Kailua-Kona

 

King Kamehameha understood that unifying the Hawaiian Islands would present a smaller threat from external forces, thus ensuring that the Hawaiian people were safer and less prone to conquest by others. 

Kamehameha was also known for embracing innovation and technology. A skilled military tactician, he successfully united the Hawaiian Islands and defended against threats using the conventional military tools of his era.

Also, as new technologies such as firearms emerged, he incorporated them to maintain the safety of his people. 

His capabilities extended beyond warfare to diplomacy. Kamehameha brought former enemies into his political circle, giving them positions of power, which helped create political stability. 

These elements of his rule make me reflect on how we handle competition in our own businesses. Perhaps we can all find ways to collaborate more effectively. ‘Co-opetition’—combining competition with cooperation—might be beneficial in many contexts. 

I am coming to you from Kailua-Kona and hope you guys enjoyed this Two Minute Drill.

I’m here attending the ChiroCongress Chiropractic Summit and the Chiropractic Futures meetings. 

Have a great week. I’ll talk to you all soon. 

 

That is this week’s Two Minute Drill and I will talk to y’all next week. 

  

Your questions and feedback are always welcome and appreciated!
Connect with us on Instagram or email us at [email protected]

TMD: Finding My Personal Balance in Middleburg

by | Oct 31, 2023 | Blog

Two Minute Drill: Finding My Personal Balance in Middleburg

What’s up Kaizenovators, Happy Tuesday Two Minute Drill. Today’s topic of conversation is work-life balance. Today I’m coming to you from beautiful Middleburg, Virginia, at the Salamander Resort. I decided that I was just going to drive here, get some work done, and take my TMD. 

 

 

From Desk to Countryside…

 

I was asked on a survey, how do I manage work-life balance?

I think the answer is not very well…

I don’t know if I’ve mastered this concept of work-life balance. I don’t even know if I completely understand it either, but I will say this, I love what I do and I want to create a great impact on the world.  

At the same time, I also know there are probably some other deeper-seated psychological reasons why I do the things that I do, that go beyond just my love for chiropractic and my love for healthcare technology, that I’m still working on trying to figure out. 

If I were to answer that question about work-life balance, I would say that I do try and take some time for myself. Like, today, part of me was saying, don’t take an hour to drive out to Middleburg, Virginia, because that’s an hour of time and then it’s an hour back and you’re going to lose two hours. 

Well, what I did is I listened to a podcast on the way out here and I’ll listen to a different one on the way back, and that way I’m maximizing my time.  

I’m trying to learn, but I’m also trying to experience just driving through Virginia, to the countryside, and seeing all this beautiful land that we have out here.  

That’s just one example; another example is yesterday, I shut my computer down after about five hours of work and I just watched football because I love college football.

I think each of us has to find our own way to create a work-life balance. I will say that probably the best way to do that is to think about carving out a specific time for people and the things that you love. 

If you love working, great but also make sure you take a break because science is pretty clear – If we’re working all the time, we’re not nearly as effective as if we take some breaks. 

Take some time and just let your minds unwind. 

So, work-life balance from Middleburg, Virginia.  

That is this week’s Two Minute Drill and I will talk to y’all next week. 

  

Your questions and feedback are always welcome and appreciated!
Connect with us on Instagram or email us at [email protected]

5 best habits for practice owners that will change your life

5 best habits for practice owners that will change your life

by | Oct 26, 2023 | Blog

5 best habits for practice owners that will change your life

 

Owning a chiropractic practice can be a challenging yet incredibly rewarding endeavor. It requires not just medical proficiency but also leadership skills, strategic thinking, and business acumen.  

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the industry for years, it’s never too late to adopt some life-changing habits.  

Here are five habits I swear by, which have brought immense value to my own journey in chiropractic care.

    1. Lead with EQ (Emotional Intelligence)

One of the most undervalued skills in the business world, let alone in healthcare, is emotional intelligence (EQ).  

Leading with EQ means being in tune with your own emotions and the emotions of those around you, particularly your team.  

This isn’t just about being ‘nice’; it’s about truly understanding and connecting with your staff. When team members feel valued, heard, and understood, they’re more motivated, loyal, and invested in the success of the practice. 

 

– Takeaway:  

Spend time building relationships with your team. Regular 1:1, o

pen communication, and simply being present can make all the difference. 

– Action Item:

Read “Think Again” by Adam Grant. The book emphasizes the importance of re-evaluating what we know and being open-minded — crucial for leaders aiming to lead with emotional intelligence.

 

    2. The Right People in the Right Seat

As Jim Collins famously said, “First get the right people on the bus, the wrong people off the bus, and the right people in the right seats, and then figure out where to drive.”  

Your practice is only as strong as its weakest link. Hiring the right people and placing them in roles that play to their strengths is essential for a thriving practice. 

– Takeaway:

Invest time in the hiring process. Look beyond qualifications – personality, drive, and cultural fit matter immensely. And remember, it’s always easier to train skills than it is to train attitude. 

– Action Item:

 

    3. Measure Everything – KPIs are Your North Star

In chiropractic care, as in all businesses, what gets measured gets managed.  

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are a powerful tool to guide your practice towards success.  

From patient satisfaction scores to financial metrics, having a clear understanding of where you stand helps in setting goals, addressing challenges, and celebrating victories. 

– Takeaway:

If you’re not already doing so, start documenting and tracking your KPIs. Regularly review them, adjust strategies as needed, and ensure your entire team understands their importance. 

– Action Item:  

Discover the insights from “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. The book explores how companies transition from being good to outstanding, and the role of data and metrics is central to this transition. 

 

 

     4. Be World-Class at the Process

 

Your practice isn’t just about the end results but also the journey.  

Excellence in every step of the patient’s experience – from the first call to follow-up appointments – is paramount. Consistency in the quality of care and service builds trust and ensures patient loyalty. 

– Takeaway:

Audit your processes periodically. Is there a step in the patient journey that could be improved? A little fine-tuning can often lead to significant enhancements in patient satisfaction. 

– Action Item:  

Learn from “Never Lose a Customer Again” by Joey Coleman. This book offers a step-by-step guide to improving the customer experience, ensuring that every touchpoint in the patient’s journey is optimized for satisfaction. 

 

    5. Embrace Technology

 

In today’s digital age, technology isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity.  

From electronic health records to online appointment scheduling and telehealth, integrating technology can vastly improve efficiency and offer better patient care.  

The right tech tools can automate tasks, streamline operations, and provide valuable insights into your practice’s performance. 

– Takeaway:

Regularly assess the tech landscape for tools and solutions that fit your practice’s needs. Don’t be afraid to innovate and integrate new solutions that can drive growth. 

– Action Item:  

Download my “AI Guide” Stay ahead of the curve by understanding how technology can be your ally in offering top-notch care and streamlining operations.

 

To conclude, while the world of chiropractic care is ever-evolving, certain principles remain timeless.  

By leading with heart, investing in your team, measuring your success, striving for excellence in every process, and leveraging technology, you can set your practice up for unparalleled success.  

Remember, it’s not just about treating patients; it’s about building a legacy of care that stands the test of time. 

Your questions and feedback are always welcome and appreciated!
Connect with us on Instagram or email us at [email protected]

TMD: Pushing for Pricing Clarity

by | Oct 17, 2023 | Blog

Two Minute Drill: Pushing for Pricing Clarity

What’s up Kaizenovators, Happy Tuesday Two Minute Drill. Today’s topic of conversation is plumbing. Before I get to plumbing, I just want to thank all of you who reached out to me by text, email, by phone, just to check in and make sure that myself and, most importantly, my family were safe. Thank God everybody’s doing well so far.

 

 

Why Transparency Matters…

 

This week’s conversation? Plumbing. We probably all had experience with plumbers. I’ve had experience with plumbers, and you know, my house is an old house. The drains in my master bathroom, get clogged.

I called a plumber, and I asked, “How much is it to snake the drain?” I’ve snaked the drain before, and it fixes it for at least a few years.

They won’t give me a price over the phone. I’m like, “I don’t understand, have you snaked a drain before?” and they’re like, “yes, we’ve snaked a drain.” So, I asked, “what did you charge?” Their answer? “That just really depends.” I said, “It depends on what?” They replied, “It depends on whether it’s the regular drain, or if it’s the main drain.” I’m like, “okay, well then, if it’s the regular drain, how much have you charged? And if it’s the main drain, how much do you charge?”

It was impossible to get pricing out of these people. I called multiple plumbers. This must be kind of the industry standard where they don’t give you pricing over the phone. They come and then they give you the estimated cost.

Now, I did this a few years ago. I have some context here. A few years ago, they came and said they needed to do this whole thing, snake your drain, and it’s going to cost $600.

I was like, okay, am I going to spend the time to research another plumber and deal with the same nonsense? Or am I just going to pay this $600 and be done with it? That’s what I did.

However, this time, I said no. I found a plumber who actually had a $93 special for cleaning the drain. I called them up, I verified the price, and they gave me the whole regular drain versus the main drain thing.

I said, “fine, I’m going to watch. And if it’s just the regular drain and you guys want to upsell and upcharge me, I’m just going to file a complaint with the attorney general’s office.” So, she said, “Oh, okay”, and I booked the appointment.

The plumber came out, he snaked the drain. Took three minutes. Then he got on the phone, probably with one of his managers, trying to figure out what to do. I think they probably knew there was something in the notes that said “Don’t mess with this guy.” Ultimately, It was $93.

If you’re dealing with professionals, especially plumbers, who aren’t transparent about pricing over the phone, don’t be afraid to push back. Remember, many of these industries are regulated by boards or trade associations. So if they’re not playing fair, let them know you’re willing to file a complaint.

While the Better Business Bureau might not be as effective, the Attorney General is a different story.

That’s it for this week’s Two Minute Drill. If you’re working with service professionals who play hide-and-seek with pricing, consider finding another vendor. Always push for clarity upfront to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

That’s this week’s Two Minute Drill. You guys have a great week.

Your questions and feedback are always welcome and appreciated!
Connect with us on Instagram or email us at [email protected]

TMD: A Time for Empathy and Prayer

by | Oct 10, 2023 | Blog

Two Minute Drill: A Time for Empathy and Prayer

What’s up Kaizenovators, Happy Tuesday Two Minute Drill. Today I feel compelled, even though it’s a difficult subject to talk about, I feel compelled to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. What happened over the last several days is just incredibly tragic. People have lost their lives, families have been completely torn apart, and there doesn’t seem to be any end in sight.

 

 

I’m Personally Worried…

 

I’m personally worried about my own family, my sister, my brother-in-law, and my niece who live in Jerusalem.

I’m always thinking about them, concerned about them, and making sure that they’re safe. Now, maybe they’re not as close to Gaza as some of the other towns in Southern Israel, but that doesn’t mean that they’re free from being attacked by terrorists.

This conflict has been going on for so long. Families have been disrupted and torn apart for so long.

The question that I have to ask is, where is leadership on both sides of this problem? Why do we not have a solution? Why do we not have a solution that has been supported by the international community in a fair and unbiased way?

I have to believe that Israeli families and Palestinian families feel the same way about this conflict. They want freedom! They want safety! They want security! They want prosperity! They want to be able to live together in peace!

It is only some of the political powers that foster terrorism and hatred, that foster extreme nationalism and hatred. These things have to stop for this crisis to stop. Unfortunately, I just don’t see an ending.

So, what do we do as people who want to see safety, security, and peace in the region?

We have to be able to listen with open minds and open hearts. We have to be able to rid ourselves of this concept of going into these extreme positions because it can be very easy to get into a position of extremism.

I for one know that it’s hard for me, but I’m doing my best to try and keep an open mind and understand with an empathetic heart and soul what’s happening to all people in that region.

Maybe we can all do better that way.

So that’s this week’s Two Minute Drill. Thanks so much! You guys have a great week!

please pray for the people in that region and pray for a speedy resolution to this crisis.

 

Your questions and feedback are always welcome and appreciated!
Connect with us on Instagram or email us at [email protected]