When Comparison Becomes Counterproductive

Comparison- A Barrier to Change

“Why can’t you be more like the other receptionist? She knows exactly how I like things done.” 

When we see secondhand or even experience firsthand certain strategies or practices resulting in success, it can be tempting to use comparison to impose those practices onto staff in our current environments. Behind this attitude of comparison we often find a self-serving interest- a desire to easily achieve success, profit or power. 

We concede, especially in clinical environments, that there is a place for adopting ‘best practices’.

However, using the reasoning of "others do it that way” and therefore concluding that “we should do the same”, with no further explanation or reason is a poor form of communication that will inevitably fuel defiance and resentment. 

The following excerpt from Forbes aptly articulates why such comparative reasoning will ultimately lead to failure.

One of the main reasons change programs fail is that people don’t understand why they’re being put through the ringer. This is why leaders must be clear in their own heads about the big "why" behind the change they're spearheading and clearly able to articulate it in an accessible, relevant way. A leader who can’t explain why a change needs to happen will only deepen any cynicism and fuel the underground resistance to it. - Dr. Margie Warrell

Below are some examples of this attitude being exhibited in the setting of dental and medical clinics.

Examples in a Dental Clinic

• “The dental assistant doesn't have to take the impression. That’s the dentist’s job- other dentists do it themselves.”
• “Patients should only be booked in for 15 minutes because that’s what we have been doing for 20 years.”
• “The front desk should be more productive like other clinics.”

Examples in a GP Clinic

• “Other GPs give everyone Pfizer.”
• “Other GPs can do 6 patients in 20 minutes.”
• “All the other clinics do it this way...”

Reading through these examples, it’s not hard to imagine the negative impact these comparative attitudes will have on the team’s morale and, ironically, productivity. This attitude aims to mimic the practices of another without explaining the motivation or analysis behind them. And it’s almost certain these sorts of statements won’t motivate the success you’d hope for. 

A Healthier Alternative

So what is a healthier attitude to adopt in order to move forward as a team? We suggest upholding an attitude of servitude rather than self-serving comparison by coming to work to serve others and not to be served. Always ask this question: how do we get through the day most fruitfully for patients, staff and self? 

• Serve patients by focusing on getting them out of pain
• Serve the staff by increasing your clinic’s profitability and reducing unnecessary stress
• In turn, this attitude ultimately serves yourself through internal growth and eternal satisfaction

Instead of comparing your team members to others, why not compare yourself to Jesus Christ, who did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). And regardless of your faith standing, this posture is a far more powerful strategy for imparting change than comparison.

Servant leadership is an effective means to motivate, influence and transform. The servant leader's emphasis on other's well-being bolsters success rates for not only imparting organisational change, but making lasting changes to employee growth both professionally and personally… The decision to serve a person below you in the chain of command has the capacity to transform not only the one being served, but the entire organisation.- Friska Wirya via Linkedin

No team will want to change for you, much less be led by you, if you’re constantly comparing them to others, and aren’t willing to sacrifice yourself. Regardless of your position within an organisation, lead by serving, not comparing. And watch as this attitude transforms the thoughts, attitudes and actions of your team. 

By Paul Tran