Why you need a Medical Practice coach: Part 2

Common Objections to Hiring a Coach

I love the Chick-fil-A® organization. They are in the people business first; the chicken sandwich business second. Much of my brick and mortar practice has been modeled similarly to Chick-fil-A, which is owned privately by the Cathy family, with $4.3 billion in sales in 2020.   

My good friend Billy Cossette, who is the owner/operator of our local Chick-fil-A in Cape Coral, Florida, gave me a back stage tour at the Chick-fil-A headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.  

Billy and I have been friends for more than 10 years and I have immense respect for him as a person, as a leader, and as a business owner.  Recently, he said he had started to feel stuck in his role as a leader. So, he decided to hire a business coach and for him, the experience has been a game changer.  

Billy was able to draw upon the support, accountability and direction provided by a coach that allowed him to take his business to the next level. Even with all the resources of a billion dollar company like Chick-fil-A at his disposal, Billy believes that hiring a coach is essential to transformational growth. 

Here are some of the more common objections we have heard to the idea of hiring a business coach:

• I don’t have the time 
• I can’t afford it
• I already know what to do 
• Analysis paralysis 

And here are some insights that might change your mind – allowing your business to not only grow – but to thrive:

I don’t have the time:

“I am so busy, how can I get away from all my responsibilities to dedicate time to coaching?”   This very statement is evidence that you are overwhelmed, overworked and are headed for burnout. By hiring a coach, you will instantly capture five hours a week to focus – so you can work on your business and on yourself so you can be a better leader.  Reactive leadership – putting out fires and jumping from crises to crises – does absolutely nothing to move your business forward. Proactive leaders lead with intention and by design – planning for an ideal future.  

I can’t afford it:

 “I am just happy to make payroll each week, and pay all my bills. How can I find the money to pay for a coach?” Coaching pay for itself and much, much more. When you hire a coach, you will strategize; developing a clear plan on how to generate a profit and get your team on board with an owner’s mindset. As you succeed financially – they succeed. This requires a new mindset and the implementation of key systems in compensation, scheduling and budgeting – all provided to you by your coach. Most importantly, your coach will keep you accountable to your owner’s mindset.

I already know what to do: 

You are no dummy. You are one of the few clinicians brave enough, with the grit and determination to build your practice. You have already experienced much more success than 98% of people who become licenced medical professionals. Yet, the challenge is utilizing your experience and know-how to scale your team so you can really leverage and grow your practice. Your coach will help you create systems and structures for your management team and front line workers. Most importantly, your coach will help you create a practice that allows you to step away from front line responsibilities so you can focus on succession planning.  

Analysis paralysis:

Last but not least, you may tell yourself, “I know I need to hire a coach and I am seriously considering it, but I don’t think I am ready.”  Well, in my experience, hiring a coach can be a scary proposition.  However, I soon learned that as I committed time and money, I also committed myself to learn, grow and improve my leadership abilities to scale a profitable practice. The least expensive way to improve your practice and profitability – and avoid costly crises and burnout – is to hire a coach.

Grateful to be on this journey with you,

Dr. Matthew Harkness