Executive Leadership Abilities – Part Two

We surveyed Private Practice Professionals and found the most common cause of stress to be “BEING THE OWNER/EXECUTIVE OF THE PRACTICE / BUSINESS”.

With this hat comes full responsibility of finances, worries about bills & payroll, overseeing the entire production of the group, and the LOOOOOOONG hours.

Hey, I feel you!  I know exactly of the tales you tell.  I’m the CEO here at Survival Strategies, Inc. and know those stresses well!  But, I also have an incredible advantage… I know and use a reliable administrative technology that helps organize or re-organize production and their proper lines.  This definitely limits workplace stress, and doesn’t allow it to grow into an overwhelming or unbearable ogre.

Let me break down some other key points of this Executive Hat here.  Look these things over and ask yourself if any have been neglected or missed.  Are there any which may help to improve things and lessen your stress?

1) The Executive creates the long-term plans and goals of the group, writing the programs needed to achieve them, setting weekly production targets and tracking their progress, etc., etc., etc.  Most of us already know these things.

But did you also consider that the Executive is the Group’s Cheerleader, the Team Coach built into one?  Yes, the hat just multiplied!

I have come to the following conclusions…  Unless I’m leading as one of these, it doesn’t work!  I cannot simply give out targets and expect the staff to run off promptly and get them done.  I must really put this additional Executive Hat on and keep it on!

What the heck does that mean????  How would I be a cheerleader?

Look at this; what does a cheerleader do for the team?  They create inspiration!  Yeah… GO TEAM! and all that.  Well, let’s now envision a cheerleader a little less enthusiastic, maybe even bored – pretty funny huh?

How about the Team Coach?  Have you noticed how intense coaches look and sound?  Their hands flying, giving huge smacks on the back as if saying “AWESOME JOB!” or “YES!”.  They’re maintaining the morale and general tone of the team.

It’s intention that factually gets them going!  This follows similarly in all three examples above… The intention from the Executive is the primary source of action, morale and general tone.  PLEASE NOTE THIS CONCEPT.  The sounds or communications are added verbiage to support the intention.

A team is as good as their leader can exude this intention and instill it within the group.  An Executive does whatever is needed to create the required level of inspiration to get their team through the day.

A business day may consist of handling confusions, staff upsets, an occasional disgruntled customer, grouchy vendors, misplaced paperwork, computer problems, etc.  Some of these are internal and others are over longer distances via telephones and computers.  Every business has them, but does that Executive generate enough intention and inspiration to create high morale to get the staff through it?  It takes a decent level of enthusiasm, a hardy “Let’s Do It” attitude to set the staff morale for the day.  The top priority is to ensure all are productive amidst all these added things going on.

2) An Owner Executive is responsible to ensure its legal requirements are in good order. From personnel documents, proper documentation, orderly files, State or Federal laws pertaining to your particular business or industry being adhered to, paid taxes, proper permits, licenses and insurances in place, to continued education fulfilled, etc.

We know all too well the end result when one of these is overlooked.  If one knows it’s missing, that’s an over-the-top added stress.  “Not affording it” is not workable nor any relief to an owner.

Find out what you are required to know and adhere to legally.  Do a physical inventory of such now and then, and never assume someone else “has it under control”.  Even in the case of oversight, you may end up in a mountain of legal trouble.  A company which is “above board” and legal won’t add stress on the owner.

3) BE ON TIME.  This is not simply a leadership point, but also a Public Relations point. When you’re late, you appear unprofessional.  Be professional in everything you do, including delivering as expected, showing up when agreed, and fulfilling your obligations as promised.

This point is extremely valuable to your future as others know you by how you perform; well, late, sloppy, or on time.  Which do you consider professional?  Which would you rather do business with?  Who would you refer to another?

Executives should receive rewards for their leadership in the form of great accomplishments, relaxation and time to be with family and friends, wins in the attainment of both personal and monetary goals.

There’s no good reason for stress that I know of…

We executives do have a lot riding on our shoulders and I respect and admire each of you that wear this hat. It’s not always easy but in the end it is tremendously rewarding to see the results of your hard work!

Craig Ferreira, CEO                                                                                                                              Survival Strategies Inc.