The F Word

    I'm talking about Focus.  Focus is a central point, as of attraction, attention, or activity.  It's the ability to direct all attention on a single idea or mission.  Does your team have focus?  If they do, you know that it's good for you, for your patients, your practice and for the health of the team itself. 
    Focus gives people direction and clarifies everything.  It's a touchstone when things get crazy during the day, or when feelings get hurt.   When a team is focused on patient care, they can stop and take stock.  "What is my purpose for being here?"  The answer, of course is to make sure that the patients who show up every day get the care they need.  For some, it's making sure that patients show up every day.  Every team member has their own individual focus that joined together with that of the others, directs all attention to the focus of the practice; to serve the patients.
    What if everyone on your team showed up each morning, eagerly looking forward to accomplishing the goals that were developed as a team.  Staff meetings would be opportunities to exchange ideas, share successes and solve problems.  You would hear team members complimenting each other on good ideas and thanking each other for helping out.  (It happens, but you have to put in some effort to get started). When issues arise during the day, the focus would be on finding solutions.  The focus becomes what needs to be done right now, not whose job is it to do it.  Focus feels good because it takes away uncertainty and introduces fellowship.
    Give your staff focus by sharing your vision for your practice with them and let them know your depending on them to help you make it a reality.  Once they see how much more they can accomplish by placing their attention on positive, productive goals you won't be able to hold them back.  Why would you want to?