Today's Practice: Changing the Business of Medicine SW Edition Q1 2015 | Page 13

11 Guidelines (continued)

Chris Atley

speaking to them. This is small, but makes people feel
special and has a big impact. Say thank-you for their
work on a daily basis. Treat them as you would like to
be treated yourself.

You did not hire your employees to become your
friends. Of course being kind and respectful are
of the utmost importance, but so is being the
boss you need to be.

9. Manage your expectations.
As a recovering Type A myself, this can be tough.
Expectations are high and it’s a close cousin to perfectionism. Your expectations may not always be reasonable. Check in on this often. Are you trying to be
perfect, and therefore asking your staff to do unreasonable things? Know that perfection either comes from
not wanting to disappoint someone, or with wanting
someone’s approval. It’s likely a parent, and it doesn’t
matter how old you are or whether they are alive or not.
Go with whomever comes to mind first. There is likely
more work to be done around this, but having the
awareness is the first step in changing it. Notice where
this is popping-up with your clients and practice as a
whole.

10. Keep your own inner critic in check.
This is similar to number nine, but differs slightly. The
harder you are on yourself, the harder you are on your
employees (and family too). It leads back to the perfection issue again, but shows up a little differently in this
example. If you find you start to “nitpick” at your staff,
take a look at your own inner dialogue. Are you operating from a place of positive, loving self-talk? Or are you
operating from a critical inner voice where nothing you
do is ever good enough? If the latter is happening, you
may need to do some deeper work to shift this, but
again having the awareness is a big start. You are likely
looking at your employees with the same critical eye,
where nothing they do ever measures up.

January 2015

11. Above all else, Be Who You Need to Be.
Remember you’re only as good as your worst employee,
and only as good as your best employee. You set the
tone for the entire practice. The more secure and confident you are, the more this will affect everyone you
come into contact with. From your employees, to your
patients, to even your friends and family. Do what you
need to do in order to stay positive first. If you’re worrying about money, get some help on re-writing your
money story. If you don’t have enough time off, make
the time. You will be in a better place to serve and lead.
Enjoy the team you build and watch your practice
thrive and soar! Oh, and have a little fun too!

about the author:

Chris Atley
CEO and Founder
Chris Atley, LLC

Chris Atley has been named “Coach of the Year 2014 , and is the
proven industry expert at connecting frustrated entrepreneurs with
their inner strength and freedom. She helps them crush barriers so
they can transform struggle into success. As a result they start to
flourish personally, excel professionally, and gain new vitality and spirit.
Chris has been called upon to share her unique transformation skills
with television, radio, and print audiences across the country. Her skill,
wisdom, and charisma draw rave reviews at lectures, conferences,
workshops, and universities in the United States and Canada.
At the heart of Chris’ success, is her “Decisions by Design” approach.
It’s regarded by many as “the next great leap in personal and professional development.” Through her proven system, Chris empowers her
clients to topple their personal barriers so they are free to engage their
life with clarity and confidence, and excel as an entrepreneur and a
human being.
Not only is Chris at the cutting edge of entrepreneurial excellence, she
also holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, is certified in the Belief
Breakthrough Method, and is a Certified Coach and Neuro-Linguistic
Programming (NLP) Practitioner. She is an expert in Spiritual Law, and
lives and breathes this into her business and personal life.

MAY/JUNE 2013
TODAY’S PRA C T I C E: C HA NGI NG T HE BUS I NES S OF M EDI C INE

11
12

WWW.TODAYSP R A C TI C E .C OM