Annual Checkups - HR Style

Recently during a visit to my physician for my annual physical he went over a check list of items, making sure we talked about each of them.  Family History, Diet and Exercise, Advance Directive, Medications.  Oh, why must we talk about these same things every single year!?!?!

If you think about the point of an annual physical it is quite simple:  Let’s talk about some little things now, to avoid some big things later.  As an HR guy I love the idea of the “Annual Checkup” for businesses complete with the annoying questions every single year….

Family History

Why does your doctor ask you about family history during your visit?   Because the past is sometimes the greatest predictor of the future.   If grandpa and dad both have high cholesterol, this means there is a greater chance that you may have it also.  As a business owner, how can you make historical data work to your advantage?  Does your business run on a seasonal cycle?  Have you had 3 years of high insurance renewals?  Have other businesses in your industry been experiencing a common problem?

Diet and Exercise

We hear the doctor say these two words over and over again, almost to the point of annoyance.  Why?   These are things we need to do to make us stronger and healthier.  What are you doing to increase the strength and overall health of your business?

Advance Directive

This is that piece of paper the doctor gives you so if you are unable to speak for yourself, your family knows how you wish to be cared for.  All too often we toss that paper aside saying “not today” or “that will never happen to me” or “my family already knows”.  In the business world – we call this a Succession Plan.  Chances are you can’t “stop the presses” while you figure out how to handle an unexpected blow to your business such as the loss of a key staffer or unplanned turnover in your staff complement.  What happens to your business if one of your owners, officers, or key personnel unexpectedly are not around?

Medications

It’s okay to admit it – not everyone is perfect so we take a medication to fix those little things that aren’t quite right.  While running our business we need a little medicine sometimes as well.  Don’t be like Pappy who says, “What you don’t know won’t kill you”, because trust me, it will.  If there’s something not quite right, let’s take the steps to fix it.  For example the employee who is slipping under the radar and underperforming.  Or the employee who is asking to be developed but you aren’t getting around to it.

If it has been a while since your business has had a routine physical exam, then let us help you with that.  You don’t know what you don’t know and knowing is the first step to keeping your business in tip-top shape.