Think about that phrase, "Becoming Engaged", as we truly do have the promise of a great new 12 months. How we react and interact with the daily steps of our lives determines our contentedness. In our life journey, we encounter multiple opportunities to become fully involved. All successes we achieve are the results of being fully engaged.
When I first came to Regent Surgical Health, I likened development to the dance two people do as they begin the formation of a potential relationship. Initially, an introduction occurs in some manner. Yes, even Regent has done online dating — web and e-mail contacts for introductions. We are a contemporary company after all. We begin to know a potential future partner via a series of meetings or 'dates'. Shortly after the initial meeting, we decide whether to pursue a more in-depth relationship. At any point along the way, either Regent or the potential partner may decide the future just does not look good together. This whole period is reciprocal in nature.
Now fast forward to the marriage. Marriage, or a 'permanent' relationship, begins when the deal is done and a contract has been entered into. First comes the "honeymoon phase". All is very good. We love each other so very much and want to please our partner and do whatever the other person suggests. Then, over time, marriage and other long-term relationships can become very difficult to maintain. Both failure and success is all around us and generally as outsiders, we can surmise the reason. One partner became unengaged or disinterested in sustaining the partnership. The enthusiasm, promise for the future and commitment dies, leaving a floundering situation. Without the excellent participation and dialogue of the courtship and honeymoon period, one or both partners are left feeling 'is that all there is'? The relationship fractures when hostility develops.
When looking at successful ventures, whether personal or business, a formulated model can prevent the pain of separation or divorce. Commit to full passionate participation in all or one facet of the partnership. Find your niche — business, clinical or promoting the facility. Not all partners are interested in everything! A single partner or few active partners are not able to carry the entire relationship burden.
Ways for partners to utilize their unique talents include:
- Participate in board meetings with focus
- Work with the administrator on one specific cost savings project
- Find a problem with a clinical process and work constructively with the DON/Administrator to fix it
- Make the facility yours through involvement
- Read ASC articles and share the information with your peers and administrator
- Develop a positive attitude - by working together the facility will be a success and not wither away
- Keep your focus on the present with an eye to the future. Don't let someone sneak in and take away the partnership you have committed to and worked to attain
Long-term relationships are perhaps not as exciting as the initial courtship, but working together as true partners fully engaged in the outcome creates success both for the now and for the future. A successful partnership creates a deeply satisfying relationship that is in for the long haul.
Learn more about Regent Surgical Health.
Read more from the Regent Surgical Health leadership team:
- 5 Critical Surgery Center Mistakes
- Understanding Financials: Your Cash Flow Statement
- 10 Factors Affecting an ASC's Sales Price