What It's Like In The Frontlines Right Now | Chris Light

Is your healthcare practice structured for success, or are you simply filling roles with warm bodies?

In this episode of Practice Freedom, Mark shatters the myth that people must define an organization's structure, advocating for a “Structure First” approach that could revolutionize your private practice. We step up to the plate and use the baseball diamond as our classroom, showing how a team's setup can change the game when tailored to fit the players and the end goal. Forget the old org chart. We're bringing you the dynamic EOS accountability chart—a tool that promises clarity and growth potential, ensuring that every team member's role drives the practice forward while enriching their professional journey.

As our healthcare teams grow, the bullpen can get crowded, and that's where the game can get tricky. We get into the nitty-gritty of management and organizational structures in growing companies, where the dreaded “soft belly” of middle management can mean losing sight of the ball. Mark lays out the game plan for keeping accountability in check, and with tools like the People Analyzer at our disposal, we're calling the plays to ensure every team member is in the right position and genuinely aligned with the practice's core values.

It's more than just a numbers game. It's about crafting a winning team where each player is positioned to hit a home run for the organization's success.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The “Structure First” approach: Prioritizing roles over personalities in organizing healthcare practices
• Focusing on EOS accountability charts for clear team roles and responsibilities
• Addressing the diminishing management quality and accountability as healthcare practices expand
• Aligning roles with individual strengths
• Transforming complex hierarchies into simpler, more manageable formats
• Utilizing the People Analyzer tool to ensure team members fit their roles and the organization's core values
• Organizational charts vs. accountability charts and the necessity of org charts in large organizations for tracking status and relationships
• Why smaller practices benefit from the clarity of accountability charts
• Encouraging a realistic approach to employee retention and role assignment
• The importance of a company's needs and an individual's ability to fulfill them
• Real-world scenarios demonstrating the implementation of the “Structure First” approach
• The resolution of common organizational inefficiencies within healthcare practices
• The need for practices to structure their teams effectively and match talent with the appropriate roles for optimal performance and growth

Resources from this episode:

• www.markhendersonleary.com

As always, this is a two-way conversation, and we want your feedback. Let us know if we’re on the right track and you’re getting something from the podcast, or if you have questions or comments on how to make it better. Click here to send Mark a voice memo with your thoughts on each episode. - http://speakpipe.com/practicefreedom

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Have you ever been in a professional disagreement, teetering on the edge of saying something you might regret?

On today’s episode of Practice Freedom, Mark tackles the fine line between “brutally honest” and “honestly brutal,” untangling the complexities of communication in healthcare leadership. This episode is a deep dive into emotional intelligence and the art of apologies, with real-life examples illustrating how leaders can navigate conflict gracefully and effectively.

You’ll hear how to create an environment where vulnerability is accepted and encouraged. Mark unpacks the importance of emotional safety and how it breeds a culture of vulnerability-based trust, setting the foundation for a robust team in both health and progress. You won't find lectures here but an invitation to an interactive experience that aims to propel us all toward the ultimate goal of practice freedom.

Remember, it's not just about leading a team. It's also about cultivating a space where every member feels heard, supported, and motivated to grow both professionally and personally.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The difference between “brutally honest” and “honestly brutal” in healthcare leadership communication
• Emotional intelligence and owning your mistakes as keys to navigating and resolving conflicts effectively
• Creating emotional safety and vulnerability-based trust in healthcare teams for open dialogue and trust-building
• Using “Five Dysfunctions of a Team” and “Positive Intelligence” as tools to manage defensiveness and foster empathy
• Encouraging healthcare leaders to confront challenges, embrace imperfections, and celebrate victories

Resources from this episode:

• www.markhendersonleary.com

As always, this is a two-way conversation, and we want your feedback. Let us know if we’re on the right track and you’re getting something from the podcast, or if you have questions or comments on how to make it better. Click here to send Mark a voice memo with your thoughts on each episode. - http://speakpipe.com/practicefreedom

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Imagine stepping into a world where the hustle of dental staffing meets the innovation of tech entrepreneurship.

On this episode of Practice Freedom, that's what you'll experience as Mark sits down with Trey Tepichin, a Harvard-trained lawyer pioneering a new path in the dental industry. Our discussion uncovers the inner workings of Trey’s revolutionary platform Cloud Dentistry, a hybrid of LinkedIn's networking prowess and Uber's on-demand service model tailor-made for the dental world. Trey's path from the courtroom to the boardroom and the potential of his creation set the stage for a conversation full of insights for healthcare professionals and entrepreneurs alike.

Dentistry is evolving, and we're witnessing a seismic shift in how dental practices approach hiring. We dissect the unique challenges of creating the perfect team in a space where culture and skill collide with patient care. Trey's platform connects offices with professionals and reimagines the entire hiring process, fostering a trial-based system that allows for finding the ideal match without traditional buyout fees. Mark and Trey unravel the complexities of modern healthcare staffing, offering change that could ripple across the industry.

As we wrap up the conversation, the importance of building a sustainable and vibrant business culture cannot be understated. Whether navigating dental hygiene or tackling healthcare provider burnout, we explore the breadth of challenges and innovations that shape today's healthcare landscape.

If you're eager to witness how a single platform might inspire a revolution in healthcare staffing or seek inspiration from those who disrupt the status quo, tune in for an episode that promises to enlighten and encourage.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Trey Tepichin's background as a Harvard-trained lawyer to dental staffing innovator
• Dental staffing challenges that Trey’s platform addresses by combining features from LinkedIn and Uber
• A subscription-based model that allows dental offices to trial hygienists while avoiding traditional staffing fees
• The critical role of dental hygienists and seamless handoffs for effective patient care
• Addressing healthcare provider burnout with a focus on efficient practice management and culture alignment
• How Cloud Dentistry is revolutionizing dental staffing with a tech-driven marketplace
• Why healthcare entrepreneurs should strive toward innovation and improving industry standards

Resources from this episode:

• Visit Cloud Dentistry’s website: www.clouddentistry.com
• Email Trey Tepichin: trey@clouddentistry.com
• Connect with Trey on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/clouddentistry

As always, this is a two-way conversation, and we want your feedback. Let us know if we’re on the right track and you’re getting something from the podcast, or if you have questions or comments on how to make it better. Click here to send Mark a voice memo with your thoughts on each episode. - http://speakpipe.com/practicefreedom

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Are you settling for a team that's just good enough?

In this episode of Practice Freedom, learn the distinction between exceptional team performance and mere adequacy in healthcare private practices. We challenge the scarcity mindset and share strategies to foster a proactive culture. Our focus is on aligning staff with core values and having the courage to address underperformance to steer your practice toward the life you envision.

We wade through murky waters towards the clarity of a spring pond, depicting how to elevate an organization's excellence. Explore the struggles that visionary leaders face, grappling with their high standards and team realities. We discuss how reassessing leadership and benchmarking against industry peers can feed into a continuous improvement cycle. It's about commitment and incremental progress.

This episode will inspire practice owners to raise the bar for their culture and leadership, one quarter at a time.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The importance of differentiating exceptional staff and leadership from mediocrity in healthcare practices
• Strategies for healthcare owners to create a proactive culture
• Hiring and firing based on core values to tackle underperformance
• The gradual process of improving healthcare team culture
• The necessity for leaders to bridge the gap between current team performance and high organizational standards with patience and constructive methods
• Practical steps for quarterly improvement
• Reassessing leadership teams and seeking inspiration from entrepreneurial leadership organizations
• The frustration of healthcare practice owners with staff quality
• The challenge of shifting mindset from a scarcity perspective to one of proactive culture-building
• Having faith in your vision of a high-standard culture and making incremental progress toward excellence each quarter

Resources from this episode:

• www.markhendersonleary.com

As always, this is a two-way conversation, and we want your feedback. Let us know if we’re on the right track and you’re getting something from the podcast, or if you have questions or comments on how to make it better. Click here to send Mark a voice memo with your thoughts on each episode. - http://speakpipe.com/practicefreedom

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Struggling to staff your healthcare practice with top-notch talent? That's where Dr. Michael Neal, founder of Build My Team, comes to the rescue.

In this episode of Practice Freedom, Mark uncovers Dr. Neal’s innovative solutions to the hiring headaches that plague many high-volume practices. From his trials in optometry staffing to revolutionizing recruitment with his systematic approach, Dr. Neal's insights are a game-changer for your team dynamics and overall efficiency. And yes, we even touch on the practicality of conducting interviews from, hold your breath, a bathtub!

Imagine welcoming an operations executive from the banking world to manage a healthcare practice. Sounds unconventional? That's exactly the kind of out-of-the-box thinking we explore. Dr. Neal and Mark discuss how diversifying your hiring pool can break the cycle of mediocrity that's all too common in healthcare settings. We share stories of success that arose from looking beyond industry norms, proving that sometimes the best candidates come from where you least expect them. And for those who've ever questioned the effectiveness of video interviews, this discussion might just have you seeing them in a whole new light.

Finally, we address the elephant in the room – leadership burnout. As Mark shares strategies for strategic delegation and adopting a “who, not how” mindset, you'll be inspired to transform your hiring process and your approach to managing a thriving healthcare practice. You'll rediscover the joy in your work by shedding the tasks that drain your energy and focusing on your strengths.

Whether you're seeking to refine your hiring method or redefine your leadership style, you won't want to miss this episode.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Overcoming staffing challenges in a high-volume optometry practice by innovating hiring practices
• The development of BuildMyTeam for streamlined recruitment
• The common pitfall of hiring based on empathy
• How to attract high-performing candidates through a wide-reaching job posting strategy and rigorous assessment processes
• Hiring the right team for healthcare practice efficiency
• A case study on hiring an operations executive from the banking industry to manage a healthcare practice
• The complexity of healthcare recruitment and the use of software algorithms to match candidates to roles based on their strengths and talents
• Examining the hiring process for medical secretary positions
• Adaptability’s importance in interview settings and candidate resourcefulness
• Video interviews in the hiring process to identify traits missed by assessments
• The “hire fast, fire faster” philosophy to secure and maintain A-players within a team
• Strategic delegation and the “who, not how” mindset in healthcare leadership to prevent burnout and ensure a balanced work-life harmony

Resources from this episode:

• Visit the Build My Team website: www.buildmyteam.com
• Email Dr. Michael Neal: drmike@buildmyteam.com
• Visit Build My Team’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BuildMyTeamCompany
• Connect with Build My Team on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/build-my-team-health-wellness
• Visit The Expert Bookers online: www.expertbookers.com

As always, this is a two-way conversation, and we want your feedback. Let us know if we’re on the right track and you’re getting something from the podcast, or if you have questions or comments on how to make it better. Click here to send Mark a voice memo with your thoughts on each episode. - http://speakpipe.com/practicefreedom

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Could the cornerstone of your organization's success also be its greatest liability?

On this episode of Practice Freedom, join Mark as we confront the paradox of toxic leadership, a phenomenon that spans industries from private healthcare practices to towering corporate entities. We peel back layers to expose how individuals with irreplaceable skills and the capacity to thrive under pressure can inadvertently cultivate harmful work environments. We dissect leadership dynamics critically and explore the fine line between valuing exceptional talent and enabling destructive behavior, reminding leaders everywhere of the delicate balance required to maintain a thriving, respectful workplace culture.

Revealing the consequences of overlooking toxicity due to performance, Mark underscores the necessity of upholding organizational standards without exception. Deliberate and honest communication is the hero, capable of realigning actions with a group’s core values and mission. We’ll also grapple with the implications of unpunished misconduct and the power of consistent consequences.

The ultimate aim? To empower you with the insight needed to lead with integrity, championing an environment where truth and growth are the bedrock of success for every team member.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Identifying toxic leadership traits in high-stakes environments
• The enabling factors of toxic leadership: unique skills and urgency of roles leading to overlooked negative behaviors
• Maintaining standards of behavior aligned with organizational values, regardless of an individual's skills or role
• Transparent communication and consistent consequences to address and correct toxic behaviors in the workplace
• The distinction between punitive and corrective consequences to encourage integrity and discourage negative actions
• Nurturing a healthy organizational culture by aligning actions with the company's mission and values
• Practical advice for leaders to confront toxic dynamics and foster environments that prioritize truth, growth, and well-being

Resources from this episode:

• www.markhendersonleary.com

As always, this is a two-way conversation, and we want your feedback. Let us know if we’re on the right track and you’re getting something from the podcast, or if you have questions or comments on how to make it better. Click here to send Mark a voice memo with your thoughts on each episode. - http://speakpipe.com/practicefreedom

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Have you ever witnessed a healthcare revolution in the making?

On this episode of Practice Freedom, Dr. Tisha Rowe joins Mark for a discussion that takes us behind the scenes of her healthcare empire. Their conversation is a masterclass in entrepreneurship as we dissect the journey of the Honeycomb Clinic and the remarkable balance of being a clinician, leader, and visionary. Learn how this innovative co-working space empowers healthcare providers and sets the stage for a future where private practice isn't just surviving but thriving.

Navigating the tides of healthcare entrepreneurship is a challenging feat. Mark and Dr. Rowe delve into the identity crisis that physician leaders often face, juggling patient care, strategic decision-making, and fostering a long-term vision for healthcare accessibility. Mark peels back the layers of these complex roles, sharing his insights on balancing them to maintain clarity and consistency in our mission. Mark and Dr. Rowe also discuss how the Honeycomb app is poised to change the game, fostering a community of physicians who can revolutionize medical spaces and optimize patient care.

As we chart the course for expansion, the discussion uncovers the hurdles of securing funding and the strategy necessary to overcome them. Mental health, an often-neglected aspect of leadership, takes center stage as we ponder its impact on inspiring teams. Lastly, we spotlight the upcoming Boss Doctors Conference in Houston—a melting pot for healthcare innovators.

Tune in for an episode brimming with wisdom, where collaboration and innovation are not just buzzwords but the foundation of a healthcare renaissance.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Dr. Tisha Rowe's entrepreneurship in healthcare and the creation of the Honeycomb Clinic
• The Honeycomb Clinic’s role as a co-working space for healthcare providers supporting early-stage practices
• Balancing the roles of clinician, business leader, and innovator
• The sprint mindset that drives Dr. Rowe's approach
• Visionary goals for healthcare accessibility
• The transformation of private practices into patient-centric businesses
• The introduction of the Honeycomb app to optimize medical space usage and foster physician collaboration within a shared environment
• Challenges in expansion, securing funding, and ethical investors who share the vision of Honeycomb Clinic
• The mental health of healthcare leaders
• The power of a supportive community in navigating the entrepreneurial journey
• The upcoming Boss Doctors Conference in Houston aimed at healthcare innovation and networking among medical professionals

Resources from this episode:

• Honeycomb Clinic’s website: thehoneycombclinic.com
• Email Dr. Tisha Rowe: latisharowe@gmail.com
• Find Dr. Rowe on Facebook: www.facebook.com/tisharowemd
• Connect with Dr. Rowe on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tisharowe
• Dr. Rowe on Twitter/X: twitter.com/tisharowemd

As always, this is a two-way conversation, and we want your feedback. Let us know if we’re on the right track and you’re getting something from the podcast, or if you have questions or comments on how to make it better. Click here to send Mark a voice memo with your thoughts on each episode. - http://speakpipe.com/practicefreedom

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Have you ever felt like you're juggling too many hats in your healthcare practice?

On this episode of Practice Freedom, that's the problem Mark tackles with a deep dive into the roles of visionary and integrator within your business. Achieving practice freedom doesn't just mean success in your practice—it's about shaping a life as healthy as the patients you treat. In our candid discussion, the spotlight is on that vital third role that could be the key to unlocking your professional and personal potential. 

Let's talk about leadership transitions. It's a delicate dance when a new visionary enters the stage, and we're here to guide you through it. With Stu Schaff's expertise in compensation strategies (Episode 123), we're peeling back the layers of dependency that can arise in your organization. We also discuss the importance of a robust hiring process that cultivates a culture of commitment, a cornerstone for any practice aiming for longevity and prosperity.

Tune in to find out how to navigate these pivotal changes and keep your practice—and your life—thriving.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The interplay between visionary and integrator roles in healthcare practices for achieving practice freedom
• A crucial third role that alleviates practice owner burnout and balances professional and personal life
• Leadership transitions and role dependencies and choosing which role to relinquish for practice growth
• Strategies for hiring and building a strong, dedicated workforce for long-term practice success
• Distinguishing between the roles of visionary, integrator, and individual healer and their unique contributions to a healthcare practice
• The importance of the integrator role in managing the practice and ensuring adherence to business plans and goals
• Encouraging practice leaders to identify their best-suited role

Resources from this episode:

• www.markhendersonleary.com

As always, this is a two-way conversation, and we want your feedback. Let us know if we’re on the right track and you’re getting something from the podcast, or if you have questions or comments on how to make it better. Click here to send Mark a voice memo with your thoughts on each episode. - http://speakpipe.com/practicefreedom

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Have you ever considered the delicate balance between compensation, culture, and performance in healthcare?

On this episode of Practice Freedom, Mark welcomes guest Stu Schaff to unravel the complexities of financial rewards, organizational values, and the personal aspirations that drive our healthcare heroes. This isn't just a discussion about the numbers on a paycheck; it's an exploration into what motivates the people dedicated to healing others and how practices can cultivate an environment where everyone flourishes, from providers to patients.

As practice owners and physicians strive to navigate the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, Mark and Stu’s conversation turns to building the right team. They probe the anxieties surrounding the hiring process and the consequences of mismatched values. Stu and Mark share strategies for aligning motivations with practice culture and the importance of patience and precision in assembling a team that meets and exceeds patient care expectations. They also delve into the cultural and economic influences that shape the dynamics between physician owners and their teams, advocating for a culture of inclusivity where every role is respected and valued.

You’ll also hear practical insights on aligning physician roles with clear expectations and the significance of a supportive infrastructure to enable top-notch care delivery. Stu and Mark discuss implementing business operating systems to enhance practice operations and the power of listener feedback in shaping our ongoing dialogue.

This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone invested in the harmony and efficacy of healthcare practices.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The importance of a holistic approach to compensation in healthcare and integrating financial incentives with cultural and organizational values
• Examining healthcare compensation models and their influence on provider behavior
• Aligning compensation models with practice goals while considering the broader societal pressures
• The role of transparent communication during hiring and aligning compensation with both individual goals and organizational culture
• Taking the time to find the right fit for the team, understanding candidate motivations, and the high costs associated with poor hiring decisions
• Creating supportive environments for healthcare providers to address the physician shortage and workplace culture
• Focusing on the joy of medicine and the shift from scarcity to abundance mindsets
• The differences between physician owners and employees
• How various compensation structures affect behavior and priorities and understanding individual motivations
• Clearly defining roles and creating support systems for physicians
• Using the analogy to professional athletes' performance reviews for continuous improvement in healthcare settings

Resources from this episode:

• Intentionate Healthcare Advisors website: intentionate.com
• Send Stu Schaff an email: stu@intentionate.com
• Connect with Stu on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stuschaff

As always, this is a two-way conversation, and we want your feedback. Let us know if we’re on the right track and you’re getting something from the podcast, or if you have questions or comments on how to make it better. Click here to send Mark a voice memo with your thoughts on each episode. - http://speakpipe.com/practicefreedom

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Have you ever felt crushed under the weight of finding your life's grand purpose?

In this episode of Practice Freedom, Mark tackles the concept of purpose and intentionality with a refreshing twist. Through candid conversations, he explores how anchoring purpose to day-to-day intentions, like setting objectives for an upcoming meeting, can lead to profound satisfaction and clarity. By adjusting our time horizon, we relieve ourselves of the pressure to unearth some monumental life purpose and focus on the impact we can make right now.

This episode isn't just about the theory of purpose—it's about action and how it shapes our lives and leadership. Listen as Mark shares his zeal for guiding others to their full potential by making sense of the complexities around us. We discuss how every role within a business, no matter how small it may seem, is critical to the collective goal and how recognizing this can create a thriving culture of purpose and passion. It's a journey through the abundance of meaning in our work, celebrating the individual gifts we bring and the sheer joy of contributing authentically to the world around us.

Join us for an episode that promises to inspire and redefine your approach to personal and professional growth.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Intentionality as the essence of purpose
• Focusing on short-term goals to achieve clarity and fulfillment
• The transformative power of purpose-driven leadership and guiding others to clarity and efficiency in their roles
• Embracing unique value and giving authentically in your professional and personal life
• Differentiating between passion and purpose in work and leadership
• The concept of time horizon in finding purpose
• The impact of a purposeful culture in the workplace and the collective contribution to a business's mission
• Giving generously within your capacity as a leader and fostering a culture of growth and opportunity

Resources from this episode:

• www.markhendersonleary.com

As always, this is a two-way conversation, and we want your feedback. Let us know if we’re on the right track and you’re getting something from the podcast, or if you have questions or comments on how to make it better. Click here to send Mark a voice memo with your thoughts on each episode. - http://speakpipe.com/practicefreedom

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.