Some teams seem to run like a well-oiled machine. Successful practices depend on solid team dynamics, and having a dream team benefits everyone: the dentist, patients and the team members themselves.
But believe it or not, strong teams don’t just happen, and they’re not built on dumb luck. It takes strong leadership, a positive culture, dedicated employees and sharing common goals.
But even the best teams have room for improvement and growth. Our dental coaches at Bryant Consultants have years of experience helping build and grow dynamic teams for dental practices across the country. So what are some of their tips for building your very own dream team? And what steps do they suggest you take to keep the momentum up once it’s in place?
Listen
While a dentist is the team’s leader, the team, itself, runs the practice. Their thoughts, ideas, opinions, cares and concerns matter and — when addressed — can lead to a more positive practice atmosphere. You won’t implement every idea your team members suggest, but it’s always smart to listen to the “boots on the ground.” If nothing else, it helps them feel heard, valued and appreciated. This leads to a sense of pride, confidence and accomplishment. When team members feel they make a difference, they will be more engaged in their jobs. This translates into a happy, healthy, productive workplace.
Empower
When team members have good ideas about improving your practice, assure them their ideas are good. Then, empower them by giving them the authority to seek team buy-in and carry their ideas out. Cheer the team on along the way.
Share
Does your practice have a written vision or mission? Do you have an idea where you’d like the practice to be within five years? Share that vision with your team members. This humanizes you to your staff; everyone can identify with having a goal. Sharing your dreams for the practice encourages team members to actively participate in helping reach those goals. This also inspires a group of individuals to work as a team to push the practice forward, crush challenges and achieve dreams and goals … together. If you don’t have a defined vision, time to start writing one!
Shake things up
Routines can become boring, which can lead to boredom and complacency. Shake things up and do something out of the ordinary. Perhaps surprise your staff with lunch or dinner out, together as a team. Throw a party or gift them a spa day together or hand out gift cards to local businesses/restaurants. No matter how great your team, and how much each member loves their job, work is still work. Your team needs some spontaneity from time to time, and since you’re the leader, no one is better poised than you to deliver it.
Once you’ve interviewed and made decisions about your team members — and once they’ve created a dream team — you will want to work to keep your team together. Use these tips from our Bryant Consultants dental coaching team to create and grow your practice’s very own “well-oiled machine.”
