As part of the social maturation process, we humans grow from dependence to independence to interdependence.

Professionally, this is also true as we progress from medical students to interns, residents, fellows, and finally, full-fledged clinicians.

Yet, intrinsic to our training is a high level of elitism, skepticism, self-reliance, and a “trust no one” kind of attitude. Unfortunately, many of us get stuck in the independence stage, becoming quite dysfunctional when the world expects us to be interdependent.

Organization-wise, this causes wastage, friction, resistance, obstruction, dispute, and even potential harm to the patient or the clinical entity!

As covered previously, modern-day practitioners can no longer afford to be lone wolves anymore. It’s high time we evolved to be effective team players. 

Here are some hallmarks of mature interdependence:

• “I serve us so we can serve others” mentality
• Confidently vulnerable
• Being OK with what you are and what you are not
• Being a synergistic “we” thinker
• Collective direction
• Creative energy and possibility
• Shared leadership
• Shared credits and accolades 

What would it look like if you could morph your Practice from the Lone Wolf to the “A” Team?

Who and what do you need to make it happen?