“The most dangerous phrase in the English language is: ‘We’ve always done it this way.'”
We agree! This quote about getting stuck in old ways is attributed Grace Hopper, an American computer scientist and US Navy Rear Admiral. How many times have you heard that phrase around your office?
Chances are, if you are questioning a process, a policy or procedure, and “We’ve always done it that way” is the only answer you hear, it is time to re-evaluate.
Continuing to do things you’ve “always done” is OK to do, if you are doing them well. Be careful of getting mired in ways that are merely safe and predictable. Small business and big businesses alike can fall victim to the old ways. Giant corporations like Blockbuster & Kodak suffered from failure to innovate.
You owe it to yourself and your practice to investigate changes that can improve your business. Instead of echoing the old company line, create a new one: “We used to do it that way. We do it better now.” Your patients and your bottom line will thank you.
Be smart when you look to make improvements. It’s important to build on your past successes and not simply make changes for the sake of change. Change is hard for everyone…make sure it’s change worth doing.
Keep your eyes open, talk to colleagues. Encourage your staff look for better ways to do things. Encourage them to research information online, and participate in webinars – establish an environment where innovation and learning are rewarded.
Embrace the new technology that is out there, and make changes where you can. Help your staff your staff to “work smarter not harder.” That sounds like a much better motto for your practice than “we’ve always done it that way”!