12/04/2025
1. Take a personality assessment (DISC, Enneagram, StrengthsFinder) and build your team to complement your weaknesses, not duplicate your strengths.
You can't lead if you don't know yourself. If you're a visionary who struggles with details, hire someone organized. If you avoid conflict, bring on someone who thrives in communication. Your team should fill your gaps, not mirror your strengths. Build this way and create a balanced, high-functioning practice.
2. The interview is your first chance to establish respect and set the tone for your leadership.
Ask direct, behavioral questions: "Tell me about a time you handled conflict" or "What would you do if a patient complained about wait times?" Push for specifics. Check references and document everything from day one. Be inspiring but firm. Hiring right is 100 times easier than firing wrong. The standards you set in that room become the standards in your practice.
3. Block your schedule for admin time, delegate non-clinical tasks early, and create systems so you're not the bottleneck.
You can't adjust patients and run a business simultaneously. Protect calendar time for administrative work and treat it as non-negotiable. Delegate billing, scheduling, and inventory. Build systems so your team knows what to do without waiting for you. The moment you become the bottleneck, your practice stops growing.
4. Establish clear boundaries and professional expectations from day one. Your team will respect the standards you set, not the ones you hope they'll figure out.
Your staff will follow what you model and communicate. Set boundaries early around communication, work hours, and accountability. Be kind but firm. Leadership isn't about being everyone's friend; it's about creating an environment where everyone can succeed. Start strong, and your team will rise to meet you.
These skills matter whether you associate or own, but your first big decision is which path to take. Join us Friday for our free webinar "Associate vs. Owner: Which Path is Right for You?" and get clarity on the choice that shapes everything else.
