Feb 9. Are you tired of hearing, "No one ever showed me that" from new hires? 😩

Let’s talk about something that makes every practice owner pause.

The "Nobody ever showed me that" syndrome.

Yes — really.

In the world of high-level medical practices, a surprising number of team members feel lost, not because they lack talent, but because there is a massive gap between hiring and mastery. While it might sound like a simple communication error, it highlights a much deeper issue: the difference between "getting a job" and "owning a position."

Because this isn’t just about a frustrated employee.

It’s about the systems you’ve built, the clarity you provide, and the abundance of support you offer to ensure your team thrives.

The Leadership Standard Shift: From “Will They Figure It Out?” to “How Can I Ensure They Succeed?”

Training should never be left to chance. It should be about protecting excellence. That means being crystal clear on:

• The Roadmap: A documented path from day one to mastery.

• The Competencies: Specific skills that must be checked off, not just "mentioned."

• The Timeline: Getting a person through core duties within the first two weeks.

• The Alignment: Ensuring their daily actions match your office's mission and core values.

Strong teams are built through a structured "Recipe for Success." And it matters.

Why the Competency Checklist Is a Non-Negotiable Tool

Healthcare practices run on systems, policies, and procedures. When a team member lacks a clear checklist:

• Training becomes inconsistent.

• Accountability weakens (“I didn't know that was my job”).

• Stress levels rise during the "stress test" phase.

• Standards erode.

Confidence and competence must coexist. Education alone isn’t enough; experience alone isn’t enough. You need a system that allows people to:

• Master basic office duties (from mission statements to changing the soap).

• Navigate the EHR and digital applications with confidence.

• Handle patient flow (from Day 1 arrivals to Report of Findings).

• Own their results because they have signed off on their own proficiency.

The Culture You Tolerate Is the Culture You Teach

This isn’t about criticizing a new hire’s memory. It’s about raising the leadership bar and providing the "gift" of clarity. The checklist is the ultimate tool for empowerment:

1. It lists opening, closing, daily, weekly, and monthly duties.

2. It provides proof of training for both the manager and the employee.

3. It identifies weak points early so they can be strengthened through apprenticeship.

What’s not appropriate? Allowing months to go by before realizing a person isn't a "right fit" because they were never properly checked off. That sets a precedent: “Vagueness is acceptable here.” That mindset doesn’t belong in high-level healthcare environments.

Be Intentional — Not Reactive — When Training

Strong teams aren’t built accidentally. They’re built intentionally through mental energy and bandwidth. As a practice owner, stop asking, “When will they just get it?” and start asking:

• Have I given them the mental energy they deserve during onboarding?

• Does our manual align perfectly with our competency checklist?

• Are we stress-testing their skills before leaving them on their own?

• Am I providing an apprenticeship to strengthen their weak points?

Because you don’t need a warm body. You need a competent, confident professional.

Reflection for Leaders

Ask yourself:

• Am I hiring to relieve pressure — or am I investing time to build a long-term asset?

• Have I provided a written "recipe" for success, or am I expecting them to read my mind?

• Do my training systems create independence or constant "I didn't know" excuses?

• Is my onboarding process a bridge to success or a cliff they are falling off?

Leadership starts with the tools you provide. It starts with the standard you set on day one.

Final Thought

The "I didn't know" excuse is a symptom of a missing system. Take the message seriously. Healthcare practices change lives, and they can’t do that without a team that is fully trained, fully checked off, and fully empowered.

Leadership means being selective, intentional, and systems-driven.

Where might implementing a competency checklist protect your energy, your culture, and your growth?

WHO WE ARE

Medical Professional Dojo helps healthcare leaders break through limitations by strengthening culture, communication, and accountability.

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