You can’t avoid the 24/7 news coverage of the fallout from General McChrystal’s Rolling Stone interview in which he questions the administration’s strategies and decisions. One interesting debate is whether the General’s obvious skill and talent will buffer him from serious consequences. Is anyone too good to lose? Too big to fail?
While your practice doesn’t command the public stage of this situation, your leadership may very well be publicly challenged by a valued team-member. It’s sad when a doctor tells me “I just fired the best employee I ever had.” These debacles can most often be avoided. The best way to develop your talent and avoid insubordination in my experience is to be crystal clear in defining your practice values and culture, proving a roadmap for the team. Create opportunities for open conversation, brainstorming and productive debate. Give your team a voice and reap the rewards of their knowledge, experience and perspective.