For the last few years, “transparency” has been a popular buzzword throughout business and political circles. It is about being open and honest no matter how challenging it might be. Encouraged transparency means being straightforward and leading by example. In our industry, we can all cite examples of why being transparent to our companies and patients is crucial and should be widespread practice. While “transparency” may be the buzzword, it’s the “trust” part that I would like to zoom in on more.
In 2001, it took a lot of trust and belief from my family, friends, banks, clients, and vendors when I took the idea of Macon Occupational Medicine (MOM) to the point of renovating an old building in the historic downtown area, hiring staff, and opening our doors for the first time. That day in May was also my youngest son’s first birthday. With an encouraging yet nervous wife, a toddler, and a baby in tow, we welcomed our first patients.
Over twenty years later, we continue to be the overwhelming leader in occupational medicine throughout middle Georgia by serving 2500+ customers with our industrial athlete approach. We have diversified our service delivery model to include onsite practices at hospitals, manufacturing facilities, and universities. MOM has been a strong advocate for the Chamber of Commerce and a champion for various nonprofit organizations and schools with over $1 million in support provided. We have been blessed to have received numerous business-of-the-year honors and community leadership awards.
None of that would be possible if it were not for trust. What helped us build that trust with our companies, patients, and employees was a servant-leadership approach that relied heavily on robust communications, operational efficiencies, constant training, community engagement, and industry involvement.
And who provided support, encouragement, resources, and best practices throughout MOM’s journey? It was the National Association of Occupational Health Professionals (NAOHP). There is no doubt in my mind that being connected to NAOHP and going through their certification process to earn that designation guided MOM to perform at an elite level and increased our credibility in the marketplace. It strengthened our customer’s trust in us because they knew we were an industry leader in occupational medicine. None of our competitors can provide our level of care, service, or sustainable pricing. And none of them have the national designation of being NAOHP Certified.
The NAOHP mission statement is accurate: “To provide our members with the best resources, and strategic solutions to optimize their occupational health programs while helping them better serve their clients, employees, and business communities.”
In the words of Jack Welch, “Trust happens when leaders are transparent.” I highly encourage you as leaders in this ever-changing industry full of fluidity and uncertainty, to keep the buzz on transparency and allow trust to be our focus. If you build it, they will come. NAOHP will help you build trust and clear the path through the corn maze as well. Watch the Kevin Costner film “Field of Dreams” if you do not understand that reference. It should be transparent.
