As a kid, I remember working on projects in my dad’s workshop. I was always trying to build, invent, or fix something. When I was frustrated with my work, I might ask Dad to do something for me. He would typically respond, “You’ll never learn any younger!” Boy, that could be irritating. But like most people, I have become my father and even uttered those same words to my kid. Another saying, perhaps more popular, is, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” You’ve probably used it a time or two in your life. As I got to know the O&P profession, I heard a new phrase: “That’s not how my daddy taught me to do that.” Whether we realize it or not, those little sayings that we heard repeatedly have influence over how we perceive and act on things. I will take this opportunity to add a few more sayings and bits of advice that are important to keep in mind when running an O&P business.
When I was introduced to O&P a little over 20 years ago, I had 15 years of experience in healthcare management, association management, leadership, and volunteerism. I earned my MBA from the University of Richmond and was a certified association executive. I was an officer in the volunteer fire and rescue service with EMT, firefighter, hazmat response, and other certifications. I say all of this because I think it demonstrates a varied but consistent pathway to understanding the need to make the best decision possible given the circumstances. Usually, I was in a business setting, but there were times when there were split-second, life-or-death decisions that had to be made.
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