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Call it the part of the entrepreneur in me, but if I am channel surfing and happen to see that Shark Tank is on, I often stop to hear a pitch or two from the potential suitors. Hopeful business owners show up to present the ‘next great thing’ to a bunch of billionaires in hopes of getting them to invest some money into their burgeoning idea. The goal is to make a deal and accelerate their concept for the masses. Often, for many reasons, they leave the tank with nothing. This usually happens because either the contestants think their company is worth more than the sharks do, or the sharks think the idea is just plain dumb. Over the years, there have been many ideas which fell into the unanimously rejected category which later went on to generate millions. I am sure for example, every time Mark Cuban arrives at a house that has a Ring doorbell or ‘Mr. Wonderful’ sees someone crack open an individual serving of Copa Di Vino wine, they want to take back what they said to the inventor and wished they had invested. As it relates to improving patient care, the question is ‘Are you a shark?’ Do folks on your team equate presenting new ideas to you the equivalent of stepping into the Shark Tank? When someone brings you a great concept, that might cost a little time or money, do you tend to reject them? Patients’ expectations continue to evolve and what was remarkable five years ago may be ho hum today. If your organization wants to truly be a leader and stay on top as one that offers exceptional patient care and experience, you must create an environment which encourage ideas from everywhere and is looking to constantly evolve. Your patients and their families will thank you.
