What Does a Black Collegiate Cap and Gown Mean?

What Does a Black Collegiate Cap and Gown Mean?

The history of Academic regalia dates back to colonial colleges. Today, academic regalia is worn by undergraduate students and ties the individual’s identity with a particular degree. The black collegiate cap & gown has become an increasingly popular fashion choice, but what does it mean? What are some alternatives? And what’s the significance of Honor cords – those twisted cords with tassels?

Honor cords are twisted cords with tassels

Honor cords on a black collegiate cap and gown are twisted, tassel-adorned cords. The cords are thirty inches long and are tied together or separated. The cords are made of rayon and are twisted. Colleges and high schools commonly use black cords for valedictorian and magna cum laude awards. Other uses include graduation ceremonies and individual recognition.

The honor cords, which are usually black and come in three different styles, are available in about 180 colors. They measure about 70 inches in length and have a 4-inch-long tassel on each end. The cords are pinned to the black collegiate cap and gown at the base of the neck with a safety pin. While pinning the honor cords is optional, it prevents them from slipping during the graduation ceremony.

Graduates usually wear two types of honor cords on their caps. One is for high school graduates, while the other is for college graduates. Honor cords are typically gold or blue and are adorned with a tassel on either end. Honor cords are a symbol of academic achievement and are worn in addition to membership in honor societies and other awards.

Academic regalia dates back to colonial colleges

Academic regalia has a long history in the United States. The traditions of European colleges and universities were carried over to the United States during colonial times. Columbia University in New York City was founded in 1754 under a royal charter from King George II of England. Students were required to wear academic habits every day, including black gowns and hoods. They wore this dress for formal occasions, such as graduation ceremonies and commencement ceremonies.

Today’s academic regalia includes a square, tasseled “mortarboard” worn by graduates. Although the “mortarboard” has a rectangular shape, some American universities use berets. In Colonial America, maces were worn in conjunction with regalia. The mace at Georgia Tech was designed by Cabell Heyward and was first worn at the presidential installation of John P. Crecine in 1988. The mace was made possible by the Class of 1934 and the Georgia Tech Student Foundation.

Alternatives to black collegiate cap and gown

There are a variety of alternatives to a traditional black collegiate cap and gown, which are worn on graduation day. Some companies, such as Herff Jones, offer environment-friendly gowns. They use recycled materials in the manufacturing process and offer gowns that are 100 percent biodegradable. Another company, Jostens, offers eco-friendly gowns. These companies believe that making an eco-friendly graduation a big deal will encourage students to think about sustainability.

Meaning of a black collegiate cap and gown

What is the meaning of a black collegiate cap and gown? A black cap is traditionally worn by academics to signify the completion of a course, while the color of the gown reflects the degree being completed. Academic tassels are usually gold and are worn over the gown to identify the degree. Gold tassels are used by students in Spanish National Honor Society (FNHS) chapters and Alpha Omicron Pi sororities. They are also used in business and management programs, while silver tassels are worn by students who have graduated from medical and law schools. These colors also signify hope, elegance, and loyalty.

The origin of the black cap and gown is ancient. The first university buildings were often founded by clergy, so students and professors wore hoods to signify their religious status. Wearing a black collegiate cap and gown made them stand out among the town folk. This also established the proverbial “Town vs. Gown” competition. Black collegiate caps and gowns are worn at many prestigious universities.

E.A. Smiroldo’s no longer silent about The Silent Count

E.A. Smiroldo’s no longer silent about The Silent Count

E.A Smiroldo is a nuclear engineer turned author with her debut novel, The Silent Count. She weaves her real life expertise with real-world inspired drama for her climate science fiction thriller. E.A. is also a award-nominated signer-songwriter, engineer, and musician. A woman of many talents, she tells us more about her writing experience.

Q. If you could give your book to one celebrity, who would it be and why?

Reese Witherspoon!  She has a book club and I think my book would appeal to her fellow readers.  Daisy Jones and the Six was one of her selections.  While not a cli-fi book, this book uses song lyrics as part of the storytelling and focuses on different characters and their viewpoints.  My book has a lot in common with Daisy Jones, particularly a beating, rock and roll heart.

Q. Who is your biggest writing inspiration?

I’m a huge Jane Austen fan. We’re still talking about her characters 200+ years later. They’re all wonderfully flawed and fully human.    

Q. Give us the scoop about your book.

It’s a climate change thriller based on real science. Yes, you really can change weather patterns by eliminating certain mountain ranges using nuclear weapons.  But I’m not recommending it!

Q. Can you tell us three fun facts about you?

I’m an award-winning pop-punk singer-songwriter, and my novel is laced with lyrics from songs I wrote and performed.  The soundtrack will be available on YouTube!

I’m a guitar playin’ fool and grew up practicing 7 hours a day.  I play all the guitars on the soundtrack to the novel. “Break the Skin,” one of the songs in The Silent Count, features the guitar solo I’m most proud of. 

My family is from Sicily and my mom taught me everything she knew about cooking.  I go nuts making traditional dishes for my loved ones, especially during the holidays. I secretly dream of owning a food truck that sells Sicilian street food!  I want to call it “Rhymes with Arancini.”

Q. If your book was turned into a film/TV show, who would you tap to play the lead(s)? Why?

I think Millie Bobby Brown would make a great Dara Bouldin (my main character).  Dara is young, introverted, and damaged by heartbreak and loss, but finds her strength as the story progresses. As Eleven on Stranger Things, Millie Bobby Brown has shown that level of emotional depth.    

Q. What’s one secret about you that you’ll share with the world?

My favorite car is a white Corvette Stingray (any year is fine, they’re all great), and when I see one, I make a wish. The wishes almost always come true!  

Q. What is the core message you want to deliver to the world through your writing/books/stories?

We sent a man to the moon, we developed the atomic bomb, we created a vaccine for covid-19…why can’t we do something just as remarkable about climate change that would realistically solve the problem? 

Rapid Fire Questions and Answers

Q. Movie or TV Series?

A. Movie

Q. Long walk or long car ride?

A. Car ride

Q. Comedy or Drama?

A. Comedy

Q. The city or the country?

A. City

Q. Baking or Cooking?

A. Cooking

Q. Margarita or Cosmo?

A. I don’t drink…do virgin margaritas exist?

Q. Holding a Puppy or Holding a Baby?

A. Puppy

Q. invisibility cloak or sparking skin?

A. Invisibility cloak

Q. Coffee or tea?

A. Tea

Q. Dinosaurs or princesses?

A. Princesses

Q. Laptop or phone?

A. Phone

Find your copy of The Silent Count now on Amazon.

What Makes an Excellent Leader?

What Makes an Excellent Leader?

What Makes an Excellent Leader?

Being a leader requires you to have strong communication and team-working skills and the ability to think critically and logically. A good leader can inspire others with their ideas while remaining sensitive to the needs of others at the same time. Leaders are defined by their ability to influence and drive change within their organization. They’re not afraid to take risks, challenge assumptions and empower those around them. Here we will discuss some of the qualities that make an excellent leader in business, according to educator Jonathan Osler San Francisco.

1. An excellent leader listens

Great leaders are great listeners. They always try to understand their team members’ needs and go out of their way to help those who need it. They don’t just talk to people; they listen carefully and attentively, always looking for a chance to help whenever it arises.

2.Self-confidence is key

Good leaders must have the self-confidence to inspire confidence in those around them. An effective leader knows when to take charge and when they should step back and let others take over. The ability to change tactics as needed is a crucial skill every good leader should have. Leaders who have self-doubt tend not to be respected by those around them. Self-confidence also makes you more confident in your abilities as a leader, making everyone around you feel more confident.

3. A great leader knows how to handle conflict effectively

Conflict is inevitable in business, so you must know how to handle it effectively if you want your team members to respect you as a leader and look up to you as an authority figure. If taken well, conflict can motivate the whole team and produce positive results that would otherwise not be possible with a group of people who were afraid of confrontation or of losing face if they disagreed with someone else’s opinion on an issue. A good leader will always let their team know they can speak freely and should never be afraid to have their say.

4. A great leader is always prepared for anything

Being prepared means you know how to think on your feet, you’re ready to handle any situation, and you’re prepared to make the right decisions when the time comes. It also means you don’t leave anything important up to chance, which keeps your team members confident that they can rely on you no matter what happens. A good leader will always take note of all possible situations that could occur during a specific project or task, whether an upcoming board meeting or a new product launch. The more prepared you are, the more likely every team member will trust and respect your leadership.

According to Jonathan Osler San Francisco, great leaders can look at a situation objectively and find the best way to solve any problem. They will never back down from a challenge, no matter how daunting it may seem. The most outstanding leaders are those who can constantly learn from their mistakes and never stop working hard to achieve their goals. To be a great leader, ensure you always have your team’s best interest at heart and do everything you can to support them. It would help if you also learned how to delegate tasks effectively so everyone can do their job without feeling overwhelmed.

What is the average cost of a hearing aid?

What is the average cost of a hearing aid?

You may wonder, “What does the average hearing aid cost?”. Let’s learn the average price range, the technology and features that affect the cost, and where you can buy your hearing aid. There are many options available to you, in searching the cost of hearing aids, so be sure to look at them.

Price range for a hearing aid

There are several factors to consider in figuring out the price range for a hearing aid. The final retail price of a hearing aid can range by thousands of dollars. It is best to shop around for several clinics before settling on one to keep costs to a minimum. Another factor to consider is whether or not the hearing aid you want is covered by your insurance plan. Finally, you can often get high-quality hearing aids for much less if you purchase them from a direct-to-consumer manufacturer.

You can choose between bundled or unbundled versions if you’re in the market for a new hearing aid. While bundled hearing aids are generally cheaper, unbundled hearing aids may cost you as much as $6,000. The cost of a hearing aid depends on its technology level. Those with cutting-edge technology like smartphone apps, telecoil, and multiple channels are more expensive. Also, the warranty period for a hearing aid depends on whether it is medical-grade or not.

Although the price of a hearing aid depends on several factors, most companies charge similar prices. The most expensive options offer more features and higher-quality sound. Prices shown are pre-negotiated rates through Soundly and may vary from local providers. Widex Moment, for example, has several models. The most expensive is model 440, while the lowest in the 110. With so many factors to consider, deciding which features are most important for you is important.

Technology and features that affect price

As with any other purchase, hearing aid prices depend on many factors. Aside from the device itself, additional features, like Bluetooth functionality, can increase the price of a hearing aid. Listed below are four other factors that affect the cost of a hearing aid. Each of these factors affects the final price of a hearing aid. Knowing which features to consider can help you get the most benefit from your hearing aid.

Technology is constantly changing. Manufacturers generally release a new model every 18 months, and you’ve probably had two newer models from the same brand in 2011 alone. While the technology level of the device may not be radically different, the features do. New premium features migrate down to basic models, and the two levels of technology advance in parallel. For example, the most expensive hearing aids typically have advanced features, while the lowest-priced ones don’t.

Places to buy a hearing aid

New York state’s Department of Health oversees health care providers and promotes public health. A hearing aid should be purchased after visiting a licensed physician specializing in ear care. The doctor will be able to identify any medical conditions that may require the purchase of additional devices or additional hearing aids. Costco is an example of a store that offers low prices for hearing aids.

You have many places to choose from when shopping for a hearing device. The best hearing aid is to buy it from a licensed audiologist. An audiologist will test your hearing and recommend a hearing aid based on their findings. An audiologist will use a probe microphone to measure your hearing levels and determine what type of hearing aid you need. An audiologist should also get the hearing device fitted if you have medical concerns.

A New York hearing aid retailer is Audio Help Hearing. Leases start at $89 per month. Leases include maintenance and repair, quarterly cleanings, wax, and in-home concierge appointments. They also offer monthly aural rehabilitation classes. They carry the latest technology from Phonak and Oticon. Their Lyric device stays in the ear for two to three months. Customers can save money by purchasing a hearing aid through an online store.

Why Book Hotels on a Black Friday Sale?

Why Book Hotels on a Black Friday Sale?

The holidays are an excellent time to book a hotel when finding discounts. There are many benefits to booking a hotel on a black Friday sale. These benefits include discounted rates, early access to travel deals, and giving back to the community. 

Discounted rates

Travel offering Black Friday deals should ensure they offer additional promotions beyond the discounts. Many consumers look for hotel discounts and special offers but aren’t sure how to go about them. You can click here to get more promo rates. One way to ensure your hotel stands out from the competition is to offer a dedicated Black Friday campaign. A hotel voucher offer is an ideal way to encourage impulse purchases on Black Friday, removing the uncertainty about the date. In addition, it can match the festive ambiance of the Black Friday sale.

If you’re interested in attracting more customers, you can offer package deals. For example, you provided a two-day package that encourages guests to stay longer and keeps the average booking value high. Other ways to lure customers are to provide complimentary parking, restaurant offers, and other extras. In this way, you’ll get a higher percentage of bookings. In addition, you can offer perks like complimentary breakfast or access to gym facilities.

Early access to travel deals

If you’re looking for a vacation deal, Black Friday is a great time to book. A wide variety of hotel brands are offering great discounts to attract deal seekers, and you can take advantage of these offers by registering for a rewards program. This kind of program allows you to enjoy exclusive offers, like 25% off two-hour lounge stays in a hotel n with a complimentary breakfast. Travel Tuesday is another great time to book a hotel and save money. But be warned that deals are not available to everyone. In addition, some restrictions apply, including blackout dates and narrow stay windows.

In addition to Black Friday, travelers should sign up for email newsletters from travel agencies and tourism boards, so they don’t miss out on any great deals. Expedia, for example, offers a lot of discounts on travel deals, with flash sales at certain times. If you don’t find a good deal the first time, check several times throughout the day for the best price.

Holiday discounts

Black Friday, one of America’s largest shopping weekends, is expanding and gaining popularity in other countries and industries. That weekend is also the beginning of the holiday season, and many hotels struggle to reach their annual goals.

In recent years, more and more hotels have joined this initiative to reduce room prices. According to Adobe analysts, travel was the most significant discount category on Black Friday 2016, reaching an astonishing 60% discount rate. In addition, many hotels worldwide offer discounts, credits, or additional perks to attract the attention of those seeking transactions. According to a recent study by Deloitte, a certain travel industry recorded the highest growth in customer spending. With that in mind, this is an excellent opportunity to offer special discounts and packages for this beautiful weekend proactively.

How Does Spotify’s Ad Manager Work?

How Does Spotify’s Ad Manager Work?

As the work-from-home era continues to become the norm, Spotify has launched a new ad manager, Ad Studio. Introduced last year as a limited beta, the new ad manager was released in 22 markets earlier this month. It uses audience segments and various targeting options to deliver your message to the right audience.

Interest-Based Targeting

Interest-based targeting can reach specific audiences based on their recent streaming behavior. Interest categories include genre, playlist, and platform preferences in the Spotify ad manager. Interest-based targeting is particularly effective when a brand tries to reach an audience with shared interests. Spotify allows advertisers to select multiple interest categories so that their ads can compare people more relevant to their message. You can also target based on interests, location, or even a combination of these criteria.

Aside from that, you can target your ads based on listening habits, and devices and choose to target ads by podcast genre or playlist category. Spotify will also allow you to target ads based on your customers’ past interactions.

CTA cards

For advertisers looking to increase the effectiveness of their podcast advertisements, the new feature of Spotify’s ad manager features CTA cards. These cards are highly customizable and include images, text, and clickable buttons. These cards are intended to give listeners a visual cue about the product or service they’re promoting. They will appear at the end of an audio ad and will continue to show up on suitable locations on the platform up to seven days after the initial ad is played. The introduction of CTA cards brings podcast ads closer to traditional advertising techniques. The new feature allows advertisers to present a call-to-action option alongside their podcast ads, enabling listeners to click through to the brand website or relevant product page. These ads will appear alongside podcast episodes when they’re played and remain active for up to seven days. However, the feature is not available for all podcasts, so brands should be sure to test it before spending their money.

Targeting users based on their behavior

While ad formats like Video Takeovers and Sponsored Sessions have made advertising on Spotify much more accessible, the company is now taking it to a new level by offering Playlist Targeting. This new feature will enable marketers to target users based on their music taste, mood, and activity. Spotify’s ad manager will help marketers create a campaign to cut through the noise and make their message stand out.

With the help of the Spotify ad manager, marketers can create and place ads that cater to the interests of specific audience segments. The platform offers three audience targeting options: Interest-based, behavioral, and general. In addition, Spotify allows marketers to select one additional chance for audience segmentation based on their recent playlist or podcast listening. They also have the option to choose one other ad format to target a broad audience.

Maximum budget

To advertise on Spotify, you must have at least $250 to spend on your campaign. Spotify uses a formula to determine the cost per ad served. You must target more relevant listeners and spend less money on untargeted ones. The software will estimate how many ads will be done within your budget, and you can increase this number if you wish. Spotify has a minimum spend of $250, but you can spend more if you want.

You must spend at least $250 in your local currency to advertise on Spotify. There is also a bidding system in place, which may affect the cost of your ad. The competition for your target audience size will influence the amount you can spend, but there are some limitations. You can test out ads in the trial period before committing to spending more money. The maximum budget for Spotify’s ad manager is $250.

How To Know If You Need A Roof Replacement

How To Know If You Need A Roof Replacement

With everything else going on in our busy lives, it’s very easy to let maintenance on the house slip. Of course we take care of the things that are in front of us. It’s not that easy to forget about those things, such as the dishes, our dirty clothes, and the carpets that seem to always need vacuuming. Those are all important but there’s also a lot happening with our homes which we might not notice. 

One of the most important things in this category is going to be the condition of your roof. The idea of an entire roof might sound too costly to even think about, but there’s always the option of a grant for roof replacement, so getting those repairs before there’s damage might be more affordable than you think. 

Time Going By

Keeping this in mind might be more applicable to those who have owned their homes for plenty of years or who inherited their homes from a family member. New buyers should have been made away of the condition and age of their roof but time goes by quicker than we might expect so don’t think this is something you’ll never have to worry about.

The type of roof on your home will determine its average life-span. The typical shingle roof can be expected to stay in a good condition of around 20-25 while copper or tile roofs can very well last upwards of 50 years. Those numbers are just averages, and depending on things such as average weather conditions, your roof might have a longer or shorter life than the average. 

Water Damage

At the first signs of visible damage on interior walls or ceilings, schedule an assessment as soon as possible. Some homeowners might feel comfortable gambling with time, but do not do that with water damage. There’s the possibility any water damage might be caused by a leaky pipe or faulty appliance but odds are very likely it is a roof that needs to be replaced. 

Getting a professional to inspect your roof is necessary to know how best to proceed next. If the result of that is your roof being in good condition, that’s wonderful news, but it’ll then be time to call a plumber. Any kind of water damage in a home is serious and will not go away with time. 

Damage

There’s plenty of ways this can occur and what’s most likely will depend on the climate you live in and what type of roof your home has. In a more humid climate, it is very possible for moss growth to become as issue as the roof on your home ages. Weather effects, such as heavy snow or hail, can also cause shingles to get loose before their time. 

Just because there is no visible damage after harsh weather doesn’t mean that everything is OK. While this won’t be possible for everyone, getting in the habit of checking the condition of your roof after storms with intense rain or snow might mean getting ahead of what could be costly damage later on.

Latest Trends in Enterprise Search Software in 2022

Latest Trends in Enterprise Search Software in 2022

You may wonder about the top enterprise search software in 2022. If you want to purchase enterprise search software, you might want to consider the following trends: Big data, Artificial intelligence, Machine learning, and Cloud-based solutions. These are all rapidly developing technologies that can dramatically improve the effectiveness of enterprise search software. To learn more, read the following articles. This article outlines the latest trends in enterprise search software for the next decade. Let’s start with Artificial intelligence. It’s becoming increasingly important for businesses to use data for business purposes.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing enterprise search software with its ability to analyze content. This technology helps users search for broader concepts and information. It can recommend customer support strategies and recommend refunds. It can also enhance document metadata and enrich older documents. In the coming years, it will have the potential to transform enterprise search practices. Here are four major uses for AI in enterprise search software. We’ll explore these and more.

AI improves customer relationships. According to Dr. Hossein Rahnama, TD Bank has integrated AI into its customer service process. AI can provide relevant information from vast amounts of data. In addition, it allows small businesses to target specific audiences. Ultimately, AI will make customer relationships easier. And it will help businesses target customers and improve their customer service. As long as companies continue to develop these applications, they can expect to see a rise in AI.

Machine learning

Leveraging machine learning allows you to provide relevant answers to customer queries with recommendation widgets. Chatbots are another way to complement search. At the same time, most community users prefer to search. Some like the personal touch of a chatbot. Therefore, ML will be an important component of enterprise search software in 2022. Read on to find out how ML will transform the industry in 2022. We hope this article has given you a sneak peek into what machine learning can do for your organization.

Enterprise search applications have relied on manual indexing, keyword matching, and structured documents. These methods were inefficient and lacked contextual relevance. As a result, customers and employees alike are frustrated when they cannot find the necessary information. Enterprise search software is a powerful way to solve this problem and drive productivity. This technology will be crucial in improving the customer and employee experience and boosting businesses’ bottom line. Machine learning will make searches more relevant and accurate.

Big data

The rise of Big Data is already here. According to a Harvard Business Review article, the volume of data generated today is between 80 and 90 zettabytes. Unfortunately, despite this large volume, the vast majority of that data is unstructured, which means that it is hard to find a single source of truth for any given problem. Luckily, several reliable Big Data Technologies will be available in 2022, allowing you to harness this growing data source to your advantage.

One of the biggest problems facing insurance companies is fraud. Big data helps business managers identify and remove high-risk clients from the system while allowing legitimate policyholders to pay lower premiums. In addition to solving the insurance industry’s major issues, IoT Big Data will enable retailers to understand their customers better. Big data tools will allow businesses to scale more predictably and effectively. These tools can also be used in marketing, allowing you to create custom campaigns based on customer information.

Cloud-based solutions

With the growth of AI, Cloud-based solutions for enterprise search software will be a key component of any business strategy. With cognitive search, users can obtain relevant information faster, reducing search time and allowing employees to focus on high-value tasks. This new generation of information-gathering technology uses AI capabilities to analyze content from multiple sources, ensuring that results are relevant to users’ intentions. Cognitive search solutions are critical to creating a better employee and customer experience and increasing overall collaboration.

The Global Enterprise Search Software market is forecasted to reach USD 5401.2 million by 2022 and $11115 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 12.8%. Between 2014 and 2022, Cloud-Based is expected to account for the largest share of the global market. Its growth is also expected to be boosted by Large Enterprises and Cloud-based solutions. The Global Enterprise Search Software Market Report is a comprehensive compilation of information regarding the market. It includes historical and forecast market sizes, industry trends, and financial conditions. It also outlines key market segments and examines the impact of COVID-19 on each piece.

Renting options

As the popularity of the Cloud continues to grow, companies are increasingly looking for alternatives to expensive software solutions. One option is to rent enterprise search software. With this option, you only pay for the software you use. This flexible option is particularly beneficial for small businesses, where the initial investment may not be as significant as the ongoing costs. However, before making the switch, there are a few important considerations.

Global Enterprise Search Software Market Research 2022-2028 provides detailed insights into the market size, drivers, opportunities, and trends. It also highlights recent developments and analyzes market size and scope across regions. This report is valuable for Global Players as it presents accurate market facts and figures. The report will help them make the best business decisions regardless of the type of enterprise search software used. You can use the data in the information to make an informed decision and make a successful investment.

A Complete Guide to Concierge Medicine

A Complete Guide to Concierge Medicine

A complete guide to concierge medicine is a must-have for any practice. This new type of DPC is more affordable than traditional medicine yet offers personalized care, allowing your doctor to spend more time with you. Whether a newbie or a seasoned physician, concierge medicine provides everything you need to thrive in a successful practice. 

Concierge medicine is a new type of DPC.

Concierge medicine is a type of DPC that works on a membership basis. Patients pay a monthly or annual fee to the physician. This fee covers all costs associated with seeing the physician, and the doctor bills the insurance company. Concierge doctors typically limit the number of patients they see each month, allowing them to spend more time with each patient.

A new type of DPC has recently emerged. It is based on the concept of membership with a physician. It focuses on preventative care instead of treating symptoms, allowing patients to live healthier lives. Because concierge physicians have unlimited access to their patients, they are ideal for people with several chronic illnesses requiring repeated doctor visits. In addition to being convenient, members may also be able to get help paying for additional services not covered by their membership fee.

It offers personalized care.

Personalized care is essential to achieving optimal health and avoiding chronic disease. These conditions include heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and stroke. Most of these diseases are preventable, and concierge physicians can spend more time with each patient. In addition, concierge physicians can better manage the chronic conditions patients have. First, all three types of medicine can improve your quality of life.

Many people like the convenience and unrestricted access to their doctor appealing. Concierge medicine patients enjoy Same-day appointments, 24-hour access, and more face-to-face meetings with their doctor. Concierge doctors often say their practice allows them to spend more time with patients because they are not constrained by insurance or limitation; however, critics argue that concierge medicine promotes a two-tier system.

It’s more affordable than traditional medicine.

Many people in the United States do not have the luxury of direct access to a primary care physician, so concierge medical practices offer a more personalized level of care. This care is also more affordable than traditional medicine, primarily based on insurance models. However, one-third of health care expenditures are administrative expenses, and patients spend more time dealing with office staff and technicians than doctors. In addition, concierge practices are often located outside major metropolitan areas, making them difficult to find in small towns or rural areas.

A concierge physician has a smaller panel of patients, typically less than 600. These physicians can spend more time with patients, improving the quality of care. Their fee-based practices cost less than traditional practices’ high administrative overhead costs. Patients benefit from the convenience of appointments, access to advanced tests, and a personalized care plan with a concierge physician.

It allows doctors to spend more time with patients.

Physicians who practice concierge medicine tend to have fewer patients. This practice allows them to spend more time with patients and communicate with them more personally. Advocates of concierge medicine argue that it improves the healthcare system and reduces inequities in patient care. Concierge physicians worry about the cost of up-front care and the shortage of primary care doctors in the U.S. But advocates say the model has multiple benefits for physicians.

In a typical practice, doctors spend less than 30 minutes with each patient. A concierge physician will see six to 10 patients daily, allowing them to spend more time with each patient. Patients can receive same-day appointments and advanced diagnostic testing. They can also develop a personalized care plan with the doctor. And, because of the limited number of patients that a concierge physician has, they can better understand their medical history.

It’s not only for the wealthy.

Although most concierge medicine practices serve only the wealthiest individuals, some are open to all. A patient with a monthly or annual retainer pays a fee to a concierge physician for unfettered access to the doctor. The benefits of concierge medicine include expanded medical testing, same-day appointments, and weekend or evening phone consults. Unfortunately, concierge physicians often charge upwards of $1,000 per patient annually.

The concierge model has become a lucrative business and the norm in Seattle, a city with a rapidly aging population. Some of the first concierge practices opened in Seattle. Others have followed suit.

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, describes the pitfalls teams face while trying to work together to achieve their goals. This article provides actionable suggestions for dealing with each of these problems. It is an invaluable resource for any team leader looking to improve their effectiveness. Here are five of the most common problems found within teams.

Trust

Team members who lack trust hide their weaknesses, hesitate to ask for help, and make rash assumptions about others. As a result, meetings are often dull and lack energy. In addition, those who work in a team lacking trust are more likely to worry about politics, personal risk management, and conflict management than about achieving results.

The lack of trust is the first of the five dysfunctions of a team. Lack of trust is rooted in the inability to be vulnerable. In teams without trust, team members cannot share their ideas and failures, setting the stage for conflict. When team members lack confidence, they are hesitant to admit their mistakes and often avoid open discussions altogether. Because of this lack of trust, teams with high levels of discord and conflict fail to achieve their goals.

Accountability

Inattention to results is one of the five dysfunctions of a team that often arises when team members fail to hold each other accountable for their actions. The root cause is that team members place their personal needs ahead of the team’s overall goals. Accountability can be strengthened by ensuring that teammates are comfortable sharing their feelings and opinions. To build trust among teammates, team leaders must create an environment that doesn’t punish their vulnerability. By creating a trust and mutual respect climate, teams are more likely to engage in passionate debate and avoid censorship.

Team members must be held accountable for their actions and performance. They must also be able to stand up to colleagues when they are acting in a selfish or harmful way. Ineffective accountability will lead to mediocre results. Even the best-intentioned team members will often slip into unproductive behaviors. And managers who lack team-building skills will often lead dysfunctional teams. However, by developing skills and strategies, teams can become high-performing and cohesive.

Commitment

Five major problems can be the root cause of the dysfunctions of a team, but each one is interrelated. These five are often confused as separate issues, but together they form a model. Even one dysfunction can be lethal. The key to a high-performing team is a commitment to results. High-performing teams engage in unfiltered conflict around ideas, hold each other accountable for delivering against plans, and focus on achieving collective results.

Lack of commitment is one of a team’s three most significant dysfunctions. Lack of commitment results in ambiguity regarding priorities and direction. It breeds fear and lack of confidence, leading to mistrust and second-guessing by team members. So how can a team overcome commitment problems? Here are some strategies. Let’s look at each one in turn. And don’t forget to give yourself enough time to implement the plan.

Diversity

Team members who don’t trust each other can lead to dysfunction. Human beings are naturally inclined to be self-reliant and control their destiny, but this doesn’t always lead to good collaboration. One of the easiest ways to fix this is by ensuring that all members share the same objectives. To do that, you must be clear about what you want to achieve and why. Here are three ways to make sure that your team is functioning at its best:

First, you must ensure that everyone on the team understands why the project is essential. Typically, team members are concerned about their careers, but that doesn’t mean they don’t care about the project. If a team member cannot understand why their role is essential, it will be challenging to motivate them. In addition, team members often feel disconnected from the larger vision. If this is the case, team leaders may have to remind them of the larger picture or the project’s deadlines.

Opposing ideas

The five dysfunctions of a team are interdependent and affect team performance. When one of these dysfunctions thrives, the team suffers. High-performing teams engage in unfiltered conflict around beliefs and hold one another accountable for their results.

Lencioni’s book also introduces a simple model to make teams work better together. It’s a pyramid model, and each step builds a crucial foundation for the next. Without trust, a team cannot engage in constructive conflict. If a team lacks confidence, it will not engage in productive conflict. A team that lacks these five dysfunctions will be unable to achieve its goals.