Every one of us has had that "Aha!" moment when we read some pithy phrase that resonates. So pure, so right and, invevitably, "Why didn't I think of that first?"

Our representative organizations have long existed largely to maintain the external status quo, and in doing so, are losing ground. We need to modify our training curricula to acknowledge the need for teamwork, leadership, and better business understanding. But we do not have the people or structure poised to get ourselves there.

It would help if we had some reasonable idea of what our potential as business owners and professional employees could be. We know that medical practices leak money, but how much? Maybe we're not as far off the mark as we thought.

Americans are unschooled, and therefore uncomfortable, in money-based negotiations. The unspoken rule is: "Don't argue, just shop somewhere else," or worse, "Give in." While the process may seem contrived or stilted to some, it is absolutely grounded in human nature and being unaware is a very expensive luxury that can hurt our practices, our business affairs and our personal finances.