I live very close to the Atlantic Ocean, not far from the most southern point of the island of Ireland, the Fastnet Rock. Although I am neither a sailor nor a swimmer of any note I know enough to treat the sea with a great deal of respect.
You might imagine that the lifeboats would be busiest during the Winter gales when the fishing trawlers are looking for food for our plates. But you would be wrong. The most challenging and most tragic times are during the summer when people presume that everything is safe and enter the water unprepared.
A couple of years ago I read in Roy H Williams’ blog about the four different sorts of water users (ie people) one meets in life.
Drifters are those who just go with the flow they are pushed this way and that by the wind and waves of circumstances. They look around and say, ‘Whatever. It’s all good.’
Surfers ride the waves, always looking for the next big thing.
Drowners stay in the centre of a storm. Rescue them and they’ll find another crisis and cry, ‘Help me, save me, I don’t know what I’m going to do.’
True Sailors counteract the winds and waves of circumstance by rigging sails and twisting rudders. But the sailor cannot navigate without an immovable object, a fixed point, a non-negotiable that is unaffected by circumstances. Without this guiding light there is nothing for us on life’s ocean but to drift, surf, or drown.”
So how does this manifest it self in the people with whom I work?
The Drifters in Dentistry tend to lack ambition, they rarely are satisfied with their lot but don’t have the gumption to change anything to get hold of their lives, careers and businesses and become something that they truly want to be.
Surfers are the ones who are always going on courses looking for the next trend that they can introduce to their practices, whether it works or not.
Drowners presume that because they have a BDS they are destined to be successful and happy. Often heard to say, “I’m a professional I don’t agree with all this business stuff”. Circumstances are regularly threatening to overwhelm them whether it be political, professional, personnel or practical.
Sailors are sure that their dental business is ready to cope with all that the ocean can throw at them. They understand that the winds and waves of business can change quickly and they are agile and responsive to those changes, that when the wind is at your back you need to make haste toward your destination. They take the time to ensure that they have the correct up to date charts, their compass is accurate and their crew is trained and reliable.
Which is most likely to have to call the lifeboat?
Alun K Rees BDS is The Dental Business Coach. An experienced dental practice owner who changed career he now works as a coach, consultant, troubleshooter, analyst, speaker, writer & broadcaster. He brings the wisdom gained from his and others’ successes to help his clients achieve the rewards their work and dedication deserve.
If you would like to discuss buying, selling or financing a dental practice then please Contact Us today.
