Do you ever have seasons in life where it seems like the office is just barely surviving? I don’t mean financially surviving, but functionally. Don’t feel bad if you find yourself in this situation. It is something many, if not most, business owners will go through at some point in life. The question is how quickly we identify the problem and then how we solve it.

THE POWER OF LEADERSHIP

In this animated video, leadership expert and best-selling author Ken Blanchard walks us through a visit to the local branch of the California DMV (vimeo.com/227523667 ). In it, Mr. Blanchard emphasizes the importance the leader plays in the everyday functioning of the business.

Although it may seem simplistic, it is true. I know that when I am at the top of my game somehow, magically, so is everyone else on my team and when I am not, they tend not to be too.

Mr. Blanchard reminds us to be completely aware that the day-to-day functioning of our business is completely dependent on us. What is happening at the top filters down and manifests itself in the customer-facing activities of the business no matter what business you are in.

KEEPING SKILLS SHARP

So, if everything depends on the leader, how do we maintain our leadership skills at their best? How do we improve, stay consistent and eliminate the ups and downs? The best way is to create great habits.

Start by reading at least one book a month in leadership. (See the “New OD”s Facebook page for my monthly recommendations: facebook.com/newod .) Then, teach it to your team. Embed examples in your teaching of how you and they can implement the lessons learned in practice situations.

Anther great habit is that of regular team meetings to review the good, the bad and the ugly in an effort to improve. Consider keeping a piece of paper or a note board in your office where your team can write down things that need to be reviewed at the weekly meeting. This makes certain everyone contributes, can air their issues and keeps any topics from being forgotten.

Make a habit of consistent training, praising and coaching of your team. So many times, I can let myself get frustrated with the missteps of my team forgetting that, ultimately, if they are having challenges, it is likely because I have not given them proper training and coaching. My father’s parenting advice is equally important for my teams: For every corrective word I give, I give three complimentary ones.

TURN FAILURE INTO SUCCESS

What if my team is failing to do tests appropriately or communicate effectively? “It is always the leader.” It may be a sign that it is time we learn together best ways to communicate effectively and then role play and watch for ways to encourage each other every time they implement the things learned in training.

Never stop learning! The more you study leadership, the more you learn and the less likely you will be to experience ups and downs. One of the joys of being a leader is watching my team work in unison to create amazing experiences for our patients. The next time you see a business functioning at the highest level, remember to look for the leader because, as Mr. Blanchard says, “It is always the leader.” OM

Email: april.jasper@pentavisionmedia.com

Twitter: @DrAprilJasper

Facebook: @OptometricManagement