Empower Your Office Manager

I once knew a very successful practice. They had three locations and were growing.  The owner had recently hired a talented manager to oversee operations, and he was finding his way.  In fact, from my viewpoint, he was picking up things quickly. 
 
He understood the structure of the offices.
He focused on personal and creating a team environment.
And most importantly to the owner, the manager understood the connection between all of those things and profits.  As a result, the practice was making more money since he arrived.
 
But there was one problem.  The owner would not let go.  He wouldn’t entrust the manager to make decisions.  He hovered over every detail of the manager’s day.  Consequently, the manager was stripped of authority in the minds of the staff, and he was frustrated and considered leaving.
 
Now, granted, each owner has the right to create the environment that he or she desires.  Each owner also has the right to give or limit the amount of authority their manager has. 
 
But here is as general rule.  If you have a gifted manager who imbues the practice philosophy, unchain them and let them manage.  If they don’t imbue the practice’s philosophy, either invest in them to get there or let them go. 
 
But trusting good staff is essential to growth.  Otherwise, your practice will be limited by your time and your talent.  Good staff will always multiply the time and talent of the owner.
 
So, ask yourself these questions:
 
Do you have the manager/staff that you think can successfully lead your staff towards your goals?
If not, are they trainable?  Are you doing that training?
If not, why are you holding onto them?
 
No matter what, don’t accept substandard performance from your employees, and simultaneously, don’t limit your staff by second guessing every one of their decisions.  And then, put things in place for professional growth (both staff-wise and practice-wise).  Remember, your approach is the largest factor to determine whether your manager is empowered or restricted. 
 
Gordon Duncan is the CEO/Consultant of www.prosightsightsuccess.com.  His most recent book, “The7 Essentials of Profitable Eye Care”, is free for digital download.