The most important culture to cultivate in your business is your brand! Not religion. Not politics.

Wise people know that you never discuss religion or politics with your friends. Nor should you with your T.E.A.M. or your Patients.

Your faith and political views should be left outside the office.

What church I go to on Sunday, what dogma of the Catholic Church I believe in, is my business; and whatever faith any other American has is his business. - John F. Kennedy

That about sums it up! Religion has no place in the workplace. Period.

Politics in the workplace can only create stress. Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Communist, or whatever....these are personal choices and trying to "convert" people to your choice is never appropriate at the office.

Like minded people will "locate" each other.

The important stuff is leadership, passion, focus and commitment by everyone on the T.E.A.M. with an emphasis on delivering exceptional patient care on each and every visit!

Create a lively environment for "playing," so that everyone wears a smile and everyone is a cheerleader for your brand of chiropractic.

I was at the Hotel ZaZa in Dallas and without an exception everyone at the hotel was HAPPY, friendly, helpful...one valet even told me he was the "problem-solver" at the hotel!

This was not an accident. This was their culture. Handed down by the owner. I have visited hundreds of chiropractic offices and did not find this "culture."

Cultures are created by the Leader first, and then embraced by the T.E.A.M.

Remember, you hire for attitude and then train. You hire for personality, not their religious or political views.

Avoid putting "symbols" of your preferences in the office. You can have a negative impact on those who do not agree. Remember, you are in the relationship building business, you do not build relationships with your T.E.A.M. or your Patients if you "turn-them-off" because they do not believe as you believe.

Even facial hair can turn off some patients, so can your choices in religion and politics.

Building a chiropractic business empire is hard enough without creating unnecessary rejection by those whom you need to make your brand of chiropractic their brand of choice.
Your brand of chiropractic is more than your name or logo, it's mostly about your people and your total image in your marketplace. Plan it carefully so others do not define it for you.

The author may be contacted toll free at 877-935.6371 extension 201 or email at ceo@wellnessone.net

Mr. Howell is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of WellnessOne Corporation, a national alliance of chiropractic and wellness centers.