How to Choose the Right Chiropractic Coach
When clinical and business issues arise, it is easy to second guess yourself, because your perspective is essentially limited to your own clinic. Wisdom is knowing what you do well and what you don’t do so well and getting someone on your side who will make up for any shortfalls. One of the most important reasons to hire a chiropractic coach is to get fresh, new insights and advice to solve problems and take your practice to the next level. An experienced chiropractic coach will have worked with hundreds of practices and have the ability to clearly identify the root causes that are hindering the growth of a practice.
If you decide you want the outside perspective of a chiropractic coach, the next decision is to determine what type of coach to hire. Some chiropractic coaches have expertise in several arenas and can improve operational procedures, evidence-based treatment protocols, coding, documentation, federal regulations, productivity, new patient acquisition, and staff motivation. Other chiropractic coaches may specialize in only one area, such as motivation. Chiropractors are notorious for piecing together items from many different seminars, coaches, tape programs, videos, etc. But this approach is problematic, because the pieces don’t always fit together. You must determine whether you’re looking for another piece or seeking to have all your pieces working together seamlessly.
A chiropractor may ask a chiropractic coach to fix a specific problem when the actual problem is something else. It is always best to start with an assessment. A formal practice assessment will pinpoint specific problems, so you know exactly where to focus solutions. Improvements should be based upon on your unique situation. A chiropractic coach should diagnose first, then find solutions, just like you do with your patients. Additionally, a chiropractic coach should assist with implementation of the recommended solutions and institute processes that prevent the return of the problems.
A chiropractic coach can help create systems to improve clinical outcomes, profitability, office flow, patient care and treatment acceptance. However, your team members must be included in the process of creating these systems, or they will not own them. If they do not own them, your team will quickly return to old habits, and you will not be able to make the improvements you hoped to achieve. Each staff member has to understand that they play an important role in improving patient satisfaction and outcomes.
When is it time to consult with the experts?
When does an Olympic athlete bring on a coach? No high performance athlete performs without a coach, and neither should a 21st century chiropractic practice. The chiropractic coach’s job is to step back and see the big picture of the talent and unique skills of the chiropractor and team and how these can best be employed to attain the goal. Hiring a chiropractic coach is a smart decision for practices looking to produce greater productivity and profitability.
What key indicators can help you determine the best chiropractic coach for you?
Experience — Time-accumulated wisdom, as opposed to textbook knowledge, is invaluable. Veteran chiropractic coaches are worth their weight in gold.
Ask about their process — Do they start by performing a comprehensive evaluation of your current procedures and issues before offering advice? Or do they have a one-size-fits-all approach? Additionally, outstanding chiropractic coaches don’t just tell you what to do. They tell you how and why to do it.
Professional & Personal ethics — Success founded upon unethical protocols will eventually catch up with you.
Good rapport — Feeling a positive connection with a chiropractic coach is imperative. You must be able to have meaningful discussions. Rapport is especially critical for solving complex operational problems.
Core Chiropractic Coaching Attributes
A good chiropractic coach is someone who can effectively and efficiently lead chiropractic clients to their desired goals. In a coaching relationship, the coach first needs to listen carefully in order to fully understand the client’s situation. He then needs to facilitate thoughtful planning and decision-making, help clients recognize their own potential, and provide fresh perspectives.
We go the extra mile to deliver outstanding personalized service to our clients, based on the following 8 Core Coaching Attributes:
1. Leadership
The goal of great coaching is to guide, inspire and empower clients to achieve their full potential. This starts with a coach who has incredibly high personal standards and ambitions. A great chiropractic coach "walks the talk" and is a good role model.
2. Knowledge
A great coach must must be an "expert of the game" who demonstrates a comprehensive and thorough knowledge of the field in which he/she is coaching. At RJF Consulting, we have unparalleled expertise in both the business & clinical sides of chiropractic practice. Because we understand the clinical aspects of your practice and the business processes, we are the perfect partner to help you achieve exceptional outcomes and increased profitability without sacrificing clinical quality. We speak your language.
3. Motivation
A great coach conveys passion and enthusiasm that inspires clients to achieve their dreams.
4. Effective communication skills
Needless to say, a great coach possesses exceptional communication skills. The coach must be perceptive, intuitive, curious, inquiring, and a compassionate listener who welcomes client comments, questions and feedback.
5. Organized/Structured/Prepared
A great coach brings organization, structure, and preparation. He or she is focused and gets projects completed on time. A good coach is goal-oriented with a broad vision for the future, yet understands the importance and priority of "right now" details.
6. Creative
A great coach is able to think outside the box. He or she is a creative visionary who develops custom strategies and innovative solutions.
7. Positive, but Honest
A great coach is able to bolster the confidence of clients. But he or she is also capable of providing honesty and candor regarding vital matters.
8. Caring
A great coach cares deeply about people in general, and clients in particular. This means having the highest regard and respect for each person.