I’ve heard the “Do what you went to
school for and delegate the rest” theme for
years at conventions. That is a dangerous
pitfall. It’s what you want to hear but it is
a business myth – at least for a successful
business. Do you believe Warren Buffet or
Donald Trump doesn’t oversee all aspects
of their business?
They understand they must lead the business. Bo Bennett said, “Without initiative,
leaders are simply workers in leadership
positions.” If you are not leading the business of your practice, you are simply an
employee. You are not a leader.
You must not only create the reports, but
understand the reports. If you do not
understand them, then call someone to
help you.
Do you compare the day sheets to the
patient sign in sheets? Do you study the
bank statements and compare the software’s collections report to them? Do you
analyze the credit card charges on the
credit card statement? Do the bank reconciliations?
SUMMARY. Practice embezzlement is
dramatically increasing. The reason for the
economic shortfalls and embezzlement
increases are the same. Greed. We want
more and we want it now.
The loss of money is not the only loss when
someone you trust embezzles. The greater
loss is not something material. Money can
and will be replaced. But experiencing a
theft from someone you’ve greeted for a
number of years, you’ve been there when
they got married, when their kids were
born, through the loss of parents, through
sickness and health – it’s grief. It’s emotionally heart and gut wrenching. And the
doctor and staff walk through the stages of
grief. Some doctors have become sick and
others quit the profession because they
were so grief stricken.
Are you the most knowledgeable regarding the practice software? Who controls
the passwords or are you using passwords? Is the security for the practice software to its full potential?
What about new hires? Are you the one
calling references – doctor to doctor?
Do you do background checks on anyone
handling finances? Have you checked
your insurance for Employee Dishonesty
coverage?
Speaking at a convention on embezzlement, an attendee quietly and honestly
responded, “But, Susan. I understand
why you want me to do this, but I just
don’t want to do it.”
This betrayal of trust is overwhelming. It
consumes your thoughts and your time and
sucks your energy and your focus. I know
this because I walk through it with my
clients, every step, every day.
If someone really wants to steal from you,
they will. But, it doesn’t have to be easy.
Do not enable their theft by your ignorance
or lack of leadership any longer.
It is not business as usual. Be The Boss.
That’s the first step in preventing embezzlement.
Susan Gunn has more than 22 years of
business automation experience, is an
Advanced QuickBooks Pro Advisor and has
written 26 books geared for professional
practices. Susan, also a Certified Fraud
Examiner, investigates, interviews and provides complete reports for prosecution and
civil suit purposes. Unsure? Call for a free
consultation.
Susan lives in Arlington, TX and is an active
member of her city, regardless of the
national scope of her business. She currently serves as Treasurer for Experience
Arlington’s Board of Directors (Tourism
Bureau). Dentistry Today magazine has
recognized the depth of Susan’s experience
and expertise by naming her as a “Leader
in Consulting” every year since 2006.
That’s why we had all those lessons growing up, like taking the trash out or doing
the dishes. We were trained to do the
things we don’t necessarily want to do, but
need to be a part of our routine anyway.
It’s life. And, if you are not the boss of
your practice, someone else will be and
you will not like the result.
www.northtexasdentistry.com
|
NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY
27