Several years ago, I presented an application station session on Organizational Change at the VHMA Management Exchange. The topic focused on how different personality types function during periods of change. I used one of my favorite books on change, "Who Moved My Cheese."
If you have never read this bestseller, let me give you a quick summary: "Who Moved My Cheese?" is a fictional book about four characters in a maze who search for "cheese" (representing happiness, success, or what they want in life). When the cheese disappears, the characters react differently, showcasing the human response to change. Two mice, Sniff and Scurry, readily adapt to the change, while two little people, Hem and Haw, struggle with the disruption and their fear of the unknown.
While you might think this 1998 book is irrelevant today, I challenge you to think again. Today, like during the pandemic, we are dealing with significant change and uncertainty - increased costs for products and services, supply chain interruptions, labor force changes, reduced patient visits, low consumer confidence, and general economic uncertainty.
How, then, do we deal with all this?
To navigate this uncertainty, I have found myself revisiting VHMA resources that were instrumental to me during the pandemic.
Here are some of the big ones for me:
VHMA's Value-Based Strategic Pricing Tools and Resources
These resources are critical for ensuring that your clients find your services affordable while focusing on cash flow for the practice.
This week, I revisited the best practice tools for Price Bundling and Training Team Members to communicate price increases. The “Good-Better-Best” case study is also a great reminder that we can offer better options to our clients. I encourage you to revisit these resources on the VHMA website.
VHMA MemberConnect: Everything Old Is New Again
Remember when we shared our pandemic-era woes on MemberConnect? Burnout. Doing more with a smaller team. Staff morale issues? Suddenly, these issues are "back in the building." Fortunately, VHMA's MemberConnect archives posts by topic, giving us all a chance to revisit them in addition to the new ones we share daily. When I feel alone in a sea of uncertainty, MemberConnect is one heck of a lifeboat. Post your question today; you will be thrilled to see many insightful responses from your colleagues feeling the same pain.
VHMA Webinars: Recordings Worth Revisiting
I have always valued the wide range of educational topics covered on VHMA webinars. Now I am revisiting previously recorded webinars through a 2025 lens. I plan to watch some this week: Unlocking Hidden Savings: Dive into Administrative Costs (July 18) and Controlling the Chaos and Excelling as an HR Department of One (October 18).
I am taking the same approach with VHMA’s Manager to Manager Podcasts.
Save Time with VHMA’s Document Library
Are you too busy to draft a job description, update your training manual, or develop an employee self-assessment? Good news: just about everything you need can be found in the VHMA Sample Document Library, thanks to other VHMA members who have placed them there for you to use!
Breathe…And Eat Some Cheese
As I look at the world around me, I see many unknowns, which may be scary to some and challenging to others.
Using the many resources that VHMA has available may be one way for your practice to not only survive but thrive. As managers, we are responsible for our teams, clients, patients, and ownership to provide the best practices and alternatives to deal with anything that might arrive.
Your Buddy,
Scott Zimmerman, BFA, CVPM
VHMA President
#PracticePulse