Balancing Support and Boundaries: Leadership Challenges in Wellness Centers
Sep 26, 2024In this engaging episode of the Wellness Center Creators podcast, hosts Anna Rudel and Kendall Hagensen dive deep into the complexities of leadership and employee relations in wellness centers. The conversation centers around the challenge of creating a supportive work environment while maintaining necessary boundaries and avoiding the pitfall of employee entitlement.
The hosts begin by discussing their efforts to create positive workplace cultures. Anna reflects on her approach: "I feel that as a business owner and as a clinic owner, I've tried my hardest to create a very supportive environment for my employees." However, she raises a crucial question that many leaders grapple with: "At what point is that boundary put in place? Are we creating entitlement?"
Kendall offers valuable insights into this dilemma, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and documented policies. She notes that many new employees often express, "This is the first time I've worked in an environment like this," or "This is the first boss that I've had that actually really does care about my future goals as a person and as a clinician." While these are positive reflections, they can sometimes lead to challenges in maintaining professional boundaries.
The conversation then shifts to the importance of having well-defined policies and procedures. Kendall emphasizes, "It is really important to write those things down and have it be consistent." This approach helps in addressing situations where employees might claim ignorance of certain rules or expectations.
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the changing dynamics in the workplace, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hosts observe that employees are reevaluating their priorities and expectations from their workplace. Kendall notes, "Part of that comes from people reevaluating their life of, how do they want to spend their time? And, oh, I only want to be in an environment that values me."
However, this shift can sometimes lead to unrealistic expectations. Kendall advises fellow leaders to stay true to their company's values and mission: "We need to stick to our values and we have these things in place for a reason, and it's to serve our patient community."
The hosts also delve into the importance of hiring the right people who align with the company's core values. Kendall emphasizes, "We're going to hire people who actually feel so excited and honored to be on this team and not people who feel like they're doing us a favor by being on our team."
Anna and Kendall discuss the need for leaders to regularly reflect on their relationships with employees and address any imbalances promptly. Anna points out, "If one of those relationships feels completely out of whack, there isn't any give and take. It's all give. That is the point at which, for me, resentment starts to build, and either that energy imbalance is addressed, or the relationship has to end."
The hosts draw parallels between practitioner-client relationships and employer-employee dynamics. Kendall suggests, "If you're trying to figure out how to lead a team as a healthcare provider, think about what you've learned as a practitioner of how you treat your clients and how you work with your clients."
In conclusion, the episode provides valuable insights for wellness center owners and leaders on navigating the complex terrain of employee relations. It emphasizes the importance of clear communication, well-defined policies, hiring for cultural fit, and maintaining a balance between support and professional boundaries. As Kendall succinctly puts it, "As long as we're clear on what am I supposed to be doing as your employer and as the company and what are you supposed to be doing? And as long as we're both doing what we're supposed to be doing, it's all good."
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About Anna Rudel
Anna Rudel, L. Ac is the owner and founder of Lokahi Acupuncture Clinic in San Jose California, founded in 2003. Anna is a master organizer and clinician, and as a Coach she specializes in working with Clinic Owners in the state of California, and Acupuncturists and Acupuncture Clinic Owners, or groups wanting to add Acupuncture worldwide, as well as teams that need support with employee retention and satisfaction. Born in the UK, Anna has traveled extensively in Asia and now has a thriving multi-practitioner clinic in the US!
Anna's Website and Links
- Website: https://lokahiacupuncture.com/
- Learn Group Coaching: https://www.wellnesscentercreators.com/group-coaching
- For info about Individual Coaching: https://www.wellnesscentercreators.com/individual-coaching
About Kendall Hagensen
Kendall is a Somatic Mental Health Therapist, Multidisciplinary Clinic Owner and Business Coach. She specializes in, and is passionate about, working with healthcare professionals to create the businesses of their dreams. Big goals always have a psychological component beneath the surface, so Kendall uses her background in Somatic Psychotherapy and EMDR Therapy mixed with Business Coaching tools to help clients develop a healthy relationship with their business and their strength as a leader.
As someone who lives with a chronic illness herself, Kendall feels that health happens best within community, which is why she takes a holistic, integrative, and collaborative wellness approach to her personal and professional life.
Kendall’s Web/Social Links