If you are a regular reader, you know that I am a proponent of data. For over twenty years I have talked about the importance of objective data to tell the story of O&P. The most common response I get is that “we don’t get paid to collect data.” I understand that, to a degree. But I want to challenge that thought a bit. When it comes to knowledge there are three categories: The things we know we know (known knowns), Things we know we don’t know (known unknowns), and things we do not know we don’t know (unknown unknowns). It’s typically the largest chunk of knowledge available, but it is a “black hole” in our minds. It’s the unknown unknowns that typically bite us the hardest. 

Last week I wrote about the importance of setting clear and measurable goals and metrics to maintain transparent accountability for you and your practice. The benefit of doing this is paramount and studies have shown that it significantly improves overall consistency and performance. It’s important to build this into the foundation of your business or you could be setting yourself up for a bumpy ride.