VetCoach

Lesson 8: Problem-Solving: Melting Snowballs

TIPS - The Ideal Practice System

Problem-Solving: Melting Snowballs

In deep-wreck scuba diving, there's a term called "snowballing." That's when you ignore a problem--even a little one--as it first occurs. Then, another problem arises and--you guessed it--your problem snowballs, gathering size and speed.

Unfortunately, you still have the original problem. But the new problem, which may be the result of ignoring Problem #1 or something completely separate, makes resolving either one much more difficult. You now have more decisions to make, and less time and mental energy to focus on each problem.

Snowballing can mean disaster when you're 200 feet under water.

It's pretty much the same in practice. If you ignore problems as they occur, your problems will gain strength and momentum, putting the clinic at risk.

Example:

You can have great morale in the office. Everyone is setting a positive tone--except for one staff member. They're excellent at the technical side of their job, but they are frequently negative and moody. You know you should do something about the the staff member, but you've already tried with little results. Instead of persevering, you decide to ignore the situation and hope it goes away.

Your decision to tolerate the situation may not seem earth-shaking at the time. It's just a little snowball, you tell yourself. Yet, you are now more vulnerable. Your decision not to act represents a passive mindset. You're far more likely to take a passive approach with the next problem.

Now, another problem arises. It may be a result of the first problem or completely unrelated. You have 2 problems to deal with, but because of the negative staff member, you have less resources with which to solve Problem #2. The momentum for positive change is against you.

Unless you take immediate action, things will snowball, making it harder and harder to solve any of the problems. The solution: learn to face your problems headon and to take action.

Tips for melting snowballs:

1. Stop ignoring problems. There's a right time to handle problems and it's usually sooner than later.

2. Start focusing on solutions. Once you've stopped ignoring your problems, you may be tempted to wallow in your problems or self-pity, but that won't help. Instead, start focusing on solutions. Make a plan. Discipline your thoughts to see your practice the way you want it. Acknowledge all the things that are working well, and find solutions to bridge the gap between what you have now and your vision for what you want.

3. Take action. Get your whole practice team involved. Surround yourself with people who are willing to be part of the solution. At first it may seem uncomfortable to move from being passive to taking action, so be persistent. Don't give up. If you've let things go for a while, setting them right can take a while. Enjoy each success until problem-solving is a way of life.

When you handle issues as they arise, you'll stop dreading problems and see them as opportunities to improve. You'll get so used to taking positive action, you wouldn't dream of ignoring a situation in the hope it will go away.

In other words, keep melting those snowballs and you'll never have to face an avalanche.

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Drs. Vickie & Bryan

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