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What Makes A Good Leader? Ask Uncle SamWhat do the major generals who are leading the war efforts in Iraq have in common with executives and entrepreneurs who are conducting business back home? When it comes to leadership, the answer is probably a lot more than you think. In a recent study conducted by the Army War College, subordinates of the major generals who are leading the war efforts in Iraq were asked to rate the performance of their superiors. The survey revealed that the best leaders: * Keep cool under pressure According to retired Gen. Walter Ulmer, coauthor of the study, "The study showed that even when tactical and technical competences are excellent, interpersonal skills are critical." What's that? People skills are critical in fighting a war? General Patton must be spinning in his four-star grave. According to Ulmer the survey revealed that it is easier to teach technical skills than to teach people how to gain trust and build teams. In other words, trained tacticians are important, but the worth of a true leader may best be measured by how he leads, motivates, and treats his troops. The study further showed that many key behaviors these generals exhibit were learned by example. Their former superiors displayed people skills and whether intended or not, taught those skills to their subordinates. This means that good leaders produced good leaders. I'm sure the flipside is just as true. Bad leaders often produce the next generation of bad leaders. We see it in business everyday. The recent rash of corporate scandals didn't just involve the bad guys at the top. They often involved subordinate executives who were following the leader's example and carrying out his not-so honorable plans. Not surprisingly, the same traits found in the generals leading the effort in Iraq are the same traits found in many successful executives and entrepreneurs. Keeps cool under pressure Contrary to what many believe, being an entrepreneur is not always a walk in the park. There is constant pressure coming from many fronts. Pressure to make a sale, to meet payroll, to keep the doors open, to keep the employees in line, and on and on. The best entrepreneurs learn to thrive under pressure. Pressure becomes a motivator, not a detractor. Clearly explains missions, sets the standards and priorities Successful entrepreneurs understand that the organization runs smoother, better, faster if everyone is on the same page. A good leader makes sure his subordinates understand the mission at hand. He makes sure that everyone understands the expectations, goals and objectives. He shares his vision and lays out the plan of attack. Sees the big picture; provides context and perspective Many executives and entrepreneurs can not see beyond the edge of their desk. Great leaders not only see the big picture, they make sure their team sees it, as well. They share their vision and perspective for the long haul, not just the battle being waged today. Makes tough, sound decisions on time One trait of the successful entrepreneur is the ability to make decisions soundly and quickly. You must weigh your options and choose a direction with minimal consideration time. Procrastination has no place in battle or in business. Procrastinating entrepreneurs will quickly become someone else's procrastinating employees. Adapts quickly to new situations; can handle bad news In business some days are diamonds and some days are coal. Successful entrepreneurs are prepared to deal with the day no matter what it brings. They do not stick their heads in the sand and wait for the bad news to go away. Gives useful feedback; sets a high ethical tone A good leader listens more than he speaks. He takes input from the team and makes decisions based on that input and his own expertise. He sets the example that he expects his team to follow. Is positive, encouraging and realistically optimistic A good leader never lets his team see him sweat. He does not broadcast his negativity because he knows negativity is contagious and will spread faster than the plague. A good leader encourages his team to perform no matter the odds. He is the positive force that keeps everyone motivated to win. Every entrepreneur should take a lesson from these generals, as should every corporate executive. I'm sure it would cut down on the time many of them are now spending in the stockade. Here's to your success! Other articles by this author »
About Tim Knox
Tim Knox Related
And here is another random article you might be interested in... 10 Common Reasons Why Medical Claims were being Denied and your Action Plan(1) Incorrect patient's information (insurance ID# , date of birth) If you are submitting electronic claims, AVOID entering patient's insurance number with characters like an asterisk (*) and dash (-) in between the alphanumeric numbers because these characters can be recognize by electronic as unrecognizable. Just check on this issue with the clearinghouse or your service provider. Always make a copy of your patient's primary & secondary insurance card on file (copy front and back!). Make sure to get a copy of their new card (if there is a change). (2) Patient's non-coverage or terminated coverage at the time of service may also be the reason of denial That is why, it is very important that you check on your patient's benefits and eligibility before see the patient (unfortunately, I have seen practices who does not check on benefits and eligibility on their patients so they end being not paid for the service they rendered to the patient) (3) CPT/ICD9 Coding Issues (requires 5th digit, outdated codes)--- be careful also with your secondary code! Claims may be denied even if the problem was just because of the secondary CPT/ICD9 code! Again as I previously pointed out with my other articles on tracking your claims, with this problem, discuss solving the coding error rather than how much you want to get reimbursed. Most of the insurance companies will help you with codes (in fairness!!) and they also inform you on outdated codes, or codes that requires a 5th digit. Be nice with the claims department! (at least you try!) (4) Incorrect use of modifiers! (be careful with bilateral procedures!, modifiers for professional and technical component, modifiers for multiple procedures, postoperative period, etc.) (5) No precertification or preauthorization obtained (if required) It is so hard to file an appeal when the claim or service was non-precertified. Avoid it from happening! (6) No referral on file (if required) Note: HMOs always requires a referral! (remember that!) (7) The patient has other primary insurance or the patient's claim is for workman's comp or auto accident claim! It is the responsibility of your front desk staff to get all the necessary information before the patient can be seen. Remember that if this is a workman's comp or an auto accident claim, you need a claim number and the adjustor's name. Services are always preauthorized! (8) Claim requires documentation & notes to support medical necessity A well documented medical records is a good practice! (9) Claim requires referring physician's info (with UPIN ofcourse!-this will be soon replaced by an NPI or the National Provider Identification number) (10) Untimely filing Unfortunately most of the insurances does not accept your billing records on your office computer that shows that date(s) you billed the insurance! They want a receipt from your electronic receipt or for postal mail, obviously they want a receipt too! a tracking number maybe? certified letter receipt? If you are submitting claims by electronic, make sure you generate transmission reports/receipts. Your reports must read "accepted" and not "rejected". File all these transmittal reports/ and receipts and a very safe place! If you are sending claims by paper or postal mail, it is a good idea to send your claims as certified mail with tracking number, keep your receipts!! Other articles by this author »
About Pinky Mcbanon
Pinky Mcbanon is an experienced Medical Biller and Coder based in New York. A graduate of Bachelor Science in Computer Engineering. A Medical Practice Billing Consultant. She shares her expertise and knowledge with http://www.medclaimsplus.com. Read more about the author as she share her knowledge and expertise in her field by visiting her website at http://www.justmypassion.com Related
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