“Don’t be a know-it-all; be a learn-it-all.” – Unlocking the Mental Key to Success in Your Practice

We have all fallen victim to the idea of “knowing it all” at one point or another. Whether it’s the day-to-day interactions with our coworkers when problem solving, or listening to a webinar or podcast and dozing off in boredom, most of us at one time has probably thought, “we are the only ones with the answer.”  Having this mentality is is not only irritating to others around you, but it also stifles the possibilities of achieving or learning anything beyond your own comprehension.

The “know-it-all” behavior can act like cancer for a practice. It stifles ingenuity, creativity, collaboration and any new opportunities for true change. If we simply adopt the “know-it-all” attitude, how can we expect to be able to reduce wait times for patients? How can we expect to improve online reviews?  If we know all the answers, how could we expect to boost our conversions or surgery volume? If we “already do that”, how could we expect to boost patient experience and improve employee morale?How can we expect to integrate new technology into the practice such as virtual consults, telemedicine, online check in, curbside pick up – and so many more adaptations we must implement now, in light of COVID.

“For me, referring to yourself as an ‘expert’ in any field assumes the position that you have reached your fullest potential. It implies you have attained a thrilling pinnacle in your career and that your thirst for knowledge in a particular subject has been quenched.”   – Mandy Antoniacci

So as the CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, puts it, instead of being a “Know-it-all”, be a “learn-it-all”. By adopting more of a student’s mindset, we position ourselves to reach higher for more personal and professional growth all while accepting that it’s “ok” to not always have the answers. Release yourself from have the expectation of perfection, and reengage your mind in the process of seeking knowledge for both success and failures. For these failures are much less about mistakes, than they are about learned opportunities within your own practice.

Use the time we have now to tune in to all of the great content out there right now to help make your practice stronger – watch webinars, read blog posts, listen to podcasts and open your  mind to new and creative ideas so that when your practice opens, you’ll hit the ground running!