Outside Affirmation

It worked just the way I thought it would play out. Not something that happens all the time.

We just completed our CARF audit. CARF is kind of the ISO of our profession. They turn you upside down and inside out to see if you have their almost 400 policies and procedures in place and are managing them competently. The staff generally anticipates this like a colonoscopy, which is a good analogy.

I do look forward to it. I know we’ll do well (we received the highest possible rating) and the positive impact will be staggering. The staff receives ample feedback and positive reinforcement from me. But, to them, it’s not the same as outside endorsement. I don’t quite understand that because we know better how we perform than the auditors do, but whatever floats your boat.

As soon as the auditors were out the door, a spontaneous celebration broke out. My hand is sore from the high fives, but it’s a good feeling.

And, that will fade. I suggested that I find other organizations to audit and certify us, so we could have a celebration every month. The staff responded that I should review the succession policy, because that would come into play when I was found in the trunk of my car.

Message received.