Now that you’ve had some time to look back at last year’s metrics and develop a plan for 2018, it's time to start implementing the new processes.However, change can be scary, and even the thought of altering your optometric practice may make your staff members run. So, how do you successfully implement change to your optometric practice and reduce the fear and staff resistance?
Whether you’re putting in a new EHR and practice management solution, implementing a bold marketing strategy, or altering the claim filing process in your billing department, you can use these tips to implement optometric practice changes and ensure compliance.
5 Strategies for Implementing Change In Your Optometric Practice
Share Your Vision
Before you go about implementing a change in your optometric practice, the first thing you want to do to reduce resistance is to get your staff onboard. Seeking staff buy-in before implementing change will give them a chance to voice their concern and identify any barriers that the proposed change will have on their ability to do their job effectively. Seeking staff buy-in can also boost mortal and reduce resistance when the change is implemented.
Assign Personalized Tasks
Breaking the overall goal into small tasks and assigning them to your staff members will give your staff a sense of ownership so they can share in the success of the change. When you delegate tasks, include information like:
- Task owner
- Desired outcome
- Due Date
- Notes
If a task has to be completed before another one is started, it might make sense to include next steps in the notes so there isn't an awkward hand off.
Conduct Status Meetings
Meeting regularly with your staff members will give you a progress update on how your practice is handling the adoption of the new change. As you meet with your staff ask if they have encountered any obstacles that are impacting the changes. If the obstacles are significant enough, it could result in a need to rethink the strategy. This can also be a good time to see if your staff has any ideas to facilitate success.
Extinguish Resistance
No matter how hard you prepare, there will always be a bit of resistance when you’re implementing a change. But, if you’re transparent and look for the underlying reasons behind the resistance, then you can keep the project moving forward while addressing staff concerns. Here are a few reasons why your staff may be resistant to the changes:
- Fear of losing job
- Poor communication about what needs to be done
- Lack of trust in the change
Celebrate Success
To keep your staff motivated throughout the process change, reward them when they complete individual tasks or when the entire project is implemented. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on the celebration, especially if you’re rewarding the staff each time they complete a task. Try some of these cheap ways to celebrate employee success.
Gearing up for a optometry software change in 2018? Download "The Complete Guide On Upgrading To Modern Optometry Software" for tips on migrating successfully.
