The High Cost of Bad Moods

“I'm the boss, so I can act any way I want” is a true statement. Sure, as the practice owner, you can be angry, sarcastic, impatient, critical, disrespectful, pessimistic or rude, any time you wish. However, acting out your bad moods can cost you hundreds of thousands. How?

Employees usually treat their bosses the same way their bosses treat them. If you give them help and support, they give you help and support. If you chop them down or make them unhappy, they chop you down and make you unhappy . . . openly or secretly.

When you upset employees, and do nothing to restore a good relationship, they stop doing a good job. Instead, they demand pay raises, embezzle money, report you to government agencies, sue you for real or imagined causes, post fake reviews on the internet or just quit. Each of these actions costs you money.

For example, replacing a good staff member can cost $5,000 to $40,000. Add a zero on to that if it is an Associate. The time spent finding, hiring, training and apprenticing new staff members is only part of the cost. Your biggest loss is the production or income you lose during the transition.

Patients also retaliate against doctors who treat them poorly. They do not pay their fees, they miss appointments, they leave at the first opportunity and they criticize you, privately and publicly.

Fortunately, you can repair and prevent the damage caused by your bad moods.

Six Recommendations

1. Zip it!

When you feel like exploding or criticizing someone, go outside, take a deep breath and observe the sky until your dark mood passes. In most cases, a few seconds will do it.

2. Instead of stopping bad things, start good things.

For example, you want Jill to remember what you ask her to do. “Stop forgetting things, Jill!” does not help Jill. Instead, start a new habit. “Jill, if you write down what I want, you will remember it. So grab that pen.”

“Joe, if you keep missing appointments, you can’t be my patient” does not improve your mood or help Joe. Instead, start something. “If I promise to give you my best care, will you promise to show up on time?”

3. Ask questions before reacting.

Give people the benefit of the doubt. Whenever you are angry at someone, do not assume the person is trying to hurt you. Instead ask questions. “Why do you not want to schedule patients for our new associate?”

4. Do not be afraid to apologize.

Saying you are sorry costs you nothing and prevents retaliation. “I’m sorry I got mad. I’m working on it.”

5. Boost your self-esteem.

Pat yourself on the back as often as possible. When you think highly of yourself, you do not get upset.

6. End it.

If a person means you more harm than good, your anger may be justified. Even so, keep a lid on it and carefully end the relationship. Do not create an enemy while disconnecting all ties.

Managing a Practice is a Skill

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Have A Great Week! Brian Rakestraw, Managing Partner