In O&P care, the science gets you to “good”—but it’s the art that makes you unforgettable. Last week, I was slacking off…I went to Napa with my sister.  That trip inspired this blog.  While visiting a Napa winery that turns the same grape varietal from the same vineyard into very different wines, It made me think.  This blog explores how small, intentional nuances can elevate both patient care and staff development. Rather than “blending” people into protocols and roles, you’ll be challenged to notice and cultivate the unique strengths in each person you serve, moving everyday work closer to truly exceptional. 

This week we’re discussing how aligning your people, processes, and tools with strategically crafted mission, vision, and values statements can transform your business. Learn why cultural fit is crucial and how to create a unified, purpose-driven organization that thrives. Take your company from good to great! 

If you have been reading my blogs for a while, you know that I cite John Spence from time to time. He is clear and emphatic about the problem of ambiguity in organizations and leadership. His central message is: "Ambiguity breeds mediocrity." He asserts that when roles, goals, or expectations are unclear, organizations experience confusion, accountability drops, and results suffer. But I wonder…can our desire for clarity distort the best and create unnecessary structure? ​

This week I got a letter from a customer that inspired this blog.  It reminded me that behind every successful O&P practice is a community of innovators who challenge, question, and push the limits—and many of them use OPIE Software to do it. From startup clinics to multigenerational practices, these professionals aren’t just users; they’re builders of something bigger. Fueled by purpose and powered by data, OPIE users are leading a movement toward smarter, more efficient, and truly patient-centered care. Meet the incredible people transforming O&P from the inside out—and discover what makes OPIE so much more than software. 

Think you're ready for 2026? Think again. Discover the insider event that’s rewriting the rules for OPIE practices—one hands-on session at a time! The OPIE Summit in Jacksonville (Nov 13–15) is your ticket to mastering digital-first workflows, tackling billing chaos, and boosting your clinic’s bottom line. Why just adapt when you can lead? Secure your spot, transform your team—and leave your competitors scrambling to catch up. Read about it here. 

What if the toughest person to lead… is you? In a profession where burnout and bureaucracy threaten to dull your purpose, the real breakthrough isn’t mastering others—it’s mastering yourself. Discover The Three Agreements that separate managers from game-changing leaders and why your growth, not your workload, might be the key to transforming your team culture. Healthcare leadership just got personal—and the results might surprise you. Read the full story: Becoming a Better Leader. 

If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at a compliance email or sighed when your admin manager flagged “one more issue,” this one’s for you. The people you call nitpickers and naysayers? They might just be the reason your practice survives its next crisis. In the fast-paced world of healthcare, especially in O&P, it’s easy to see caution as a slowdown. But what if those quiet voices of resistance are your greatest advantage? Here’s why your “slower” people might be the smartest investment you’ll ever make. 

Can you believe it?  Here we are entering the 4^th quarter. Every role in your practice has evolved in ways you may not have fully recognized—and mismatched talents can cost you momentum heading into 2026. The fix isn’t firing people—it’s understanding the core functions, skills, and aptitudes every role needs to thrive. From strategic workflows to tech-savvy problem-solving, uncover how to identify the right fit for each role so your team isn’t running upside-down and backwards (metaphorically speaking!). 

Last week I hit on the importance of your referral sources.  I fully understand the frustration of being relegated, by Medicare law, to the role of “Supplier,” in spite of holding advanced education and deep clinical expertise that often exceeds that of the prescriber.  I also understand that this can lead to resentment or even a feeling that the regulations absolve you of responsibility.  From both a moral and a legal perspective, those feelings can be disastrous.  I want to consider a strategy that may help you champion collaboration that honors both the letter and the spirit of federal regulations, all while promoting optimal patient outcomes. 

Think your referral pipeline is healthy? Think again. Behind the scenes, neglected referral relationships could be quietly draining your patient volume, slowing your growth, and exposing your practice to compliance nightmares. Discover the simple, overlooked strategies that top clinics use to boost new patient leads, build trust and collaboration with referring providers, and secure the critical documentation needed for medical necessity—all while staying squeaky clean with Medicare. The secret ingredient? It’s not just what you know, but how you manage, nurture, and track it. Don’t miss out!

I am in Spokane this week for our final MasterMind meeting of the year. We are empowering a select group of advanced users who have been to at least one other MasterMind event and have been following our education. They have been provided some new powers and features that so far have not been seen outside of Paul’s practice. To say they are giddy is an understatement. Read on!  ​

The OPIE team is in Orlando this week, if you’re there, swing by the booth to say hi! Scott summarizes day one in this week’s blog!

What if chasing work-life balance is setting your practice up for mediocrity? In Part 2, we dissect the controversial debate between relentless ambition and harmony, drawing on hard-hitting advice from the WSJ and business experts. Find out how to create excellence-driven systems, foster real accountability, and raise standards without burning out your team. Challenge complacency, redefine “enough,” and discover why average should never be an option for healthcare leaders seeking lasting impact. 

Is mediocrity quietly sabotaging your clinic’s culture, patient loyalty, and bottom line? In Part 1 of “The Danger of Mediocrity,” discover how everyday choices and silent compromises fuel “just OK” care—and why that’s costing you more than you think. Learn actionable first steps to spot and confront average performance in your team, and why leaders must make excellence a daily habit. If you’re ready to break free from mediocrity’s grip, this is where your turnaround begins. 

Are you having a hard time recruiting and retaining staff? Do you feel like your clinic has a revolving door for staff” You’re probably not imagining things—and that door costs you more than you think. Read on to find out about a proven technique health care practices have used to enhance retention, preserve knowledge and foster a culture of respect, ensuring long-term success and less turnover. 

Is your practice ready for the Medicare crunch? As insurers slash coverage and patients face higher deductibles, your financial playbook could make or break your future. Discover the new care-and-collections strategies smart clinics are using to thrive in an era of shrinking safety nets. Don’t let surprise bills or coverage denials derail your patients—or your bottom line. Learn how to turn these potentially seismic shifts into opportunities for growth, patient loyalty, and financial stability. 

What if your organization’s true culture isn’t written in your handbook or mission statement—but in the dozen quiet decisions you make each day? Every unnoticed eye roll at a meeting, every ignored missed deadline, and every time you let a toxic attitude slide, you’re sending a signal that echoes louder than any slogan. In the world of O&P, these subtle moments don’t just shape your culture—they define it. Ready to uncover the silent forces steering your team’s success? Let’s dig in.

Is mowing your own lawn a smart choice—or silently sabotaging your life and business? My neighbor’s comment sparked an introspection about time, value, and the hidden costs of “doing it all.” This story of lawn stripes, legacy, and opportunity cost will have you rethinking how you spend your time—both at home and in your clinic.

Ready to discover the leadership secret Starbucks uses—and why it’s exactly what your O&P healthcare team needs? Most leaders juggle endless demands, serving patients, payors, staff, and more, but we often forget one crucial “customer”: ourselves. In a high-stakes, people-driven business, lasting success hinges on what the Starbucks “Two Chairs” framework reveals—and the invisible balancing act you can’t afford to ignore. Curious how legacy leaders avoid burnout and build teams that thrive? The answer might just transform your clinic, your team, and even your own executive mindset.