U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked dentistry as one of the best jobs in the country. While owning and operating a successful practice can be stressful, it’s important to take time to get back to basics sometimes to ensure team members, patients and you are happy at work.
Our dental coaches at Bryant Consultants have spent years getting to know our partners in dentistry. We’ve paid attention to some of the habits and practices of the happiest dentists we work with, and we want to share a few of those tips with you here:
Prioritize your team
Ask team members for suggestions, ideas and feedback. Enthusiastically encourage their full involvement in your practice. Have monthly contests, involve social media and see who can come up with the most creative posts that attract the highest number of “likes” or drive the most people to your practice webpage. Have breakfast or lunch catered occasionally. Notice someone is possibly struggling personally? Pull them aside and ask how you can help. Being not only a leader of a team but an active member of it will build relationships, trust and morale.
Delegate
A lot of times, spinning too many plates will cause a lot of stress. If that’s the case, it’s time to start delegating some tasks to your superstar team members. Since you’ve spent time getting to know your team members, it should be simple to match certain tasks with their various strengths and career goals. This helps you by taking some items off your plate, and it also boosts morale because it shows you trust your team.
Communicate
The best way to promote a positive, uplifting work environment is to openly communicate and foster the same in others. Open up to team members on a more personal level; this lets them see you as human instead of “boss.” Have regular team huddles, and keep them as upbeat and positive as possible.
Show gratitude
Pay attention to your team members’ career goals, and help teach them what will help them. Discuss career opportunities with them. Recognize and compliment them for their achievements and successes. Celebrate outside the office by treating the team to a night of bowling or dinner. Send birthday cards or random cards with handwritten notes of thanks. These are just a few ways you can show your appreciation for all your team members do for your practice.
Charles R. Swindoll once said: “Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you react.” The key to happiness is staying positive even when the going gets tough. Model the behavior you want to see in your practice, and your team will follow suit.
If you’d like further information on how to tackle this topic, reach out to Bryant Consultants today by calling (877) 786-4799.
