As a thriving dentist, with all your responsibilities, is it important to consider what your team cares about? This is a question that every dentist needs to ask themselves. In talking about this subject, some take the attitude that they are the boss and decision-maker in the office and because of this, why in the world would they care what the team wants? Why would they care what the team thinks about how things are done? Well, let’s talk about it, shall we? 

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The dentist is the leader of the team, but that does not mean their opinions and perspectives should be the only ones that matter. The most important reason is, it is a team and not a one-man or one-woman show. When you think of the entertainment business and see an artist perform a quality show, did they do it all on their own? No, they have a team of people that help them. From roadies to musicians and everything in between, they utilize a group of people that ensures their success to deliver a quality performance. Guess what? It is no different in life, and no difference in the dental office setting. 

We Need Others to Succeed

When we apply this to our dental practice, we realize that team dynamics and communication are extremely important. The true success of the practice is dependent on everyone working together towards a common goal. That goal is to be the best possible practice we can. With a dental office on every other block, we must offer something to our patients that others don’t. We must do whatever we can to stand out and when we look at things in this way and embrace it, we will grow. Isn’t that what it is really about? Growth. 

It is amazing to me how many practices in our current society will buy top-of-the-line equipment, software, and furnishings for the office and spend a pretty penny on the newest, latest, and stylish stuff, but they won’t spend the time or money on their most valuable commodity – HUMAN CAPITAL… and do know what human capital is…?  YOUR TEAM!!!  

It is why we have a true lack of Excellent Customer Service in our industry. Because the team’s needs and ideas are being overlooked. What they care about is not being taken into consideration. As a result, team morale is at an all-time low. If your team feels undervalued or unheard, they may become disengaged and less motivated to provide high-quality care to your patients. By actively listening to and addressing the concerns of the team, you can improve morale and create a more positive work culture. 

Communication is the Key

Encouraging open communication and actively seeking input from team members can lead to a more collaborative and productive work environment. Let’s talk about 5 different ways to do this.

1. Create an open-door policy: Encourage team members to approach you whenever they have questions, concerns, or ideas. Make it clear that you value their input and are willing to listen and collaborate with them.
2. Schedule regular one-on-one meetings: Set aside time each week or month to meet with individual team members and discuss their goals, challenges, and feedback. This can help you build stronger relationships and show your team members that you are invested in their success and what is important to them.
3. Hold team meetings and brainstorming sessions: Gather the entire team together on a regular basis to discuss new ideas, share updates, and collaborate on solutions to challenges. Make sure that everyone has a chance to speak and that their ideas are valued and considered.
4. Provide opportunities for professional development: Offer training, education, and other resources that can help your team members grow and develop their skills. Show that you are invested in their long-term success and want to help them achieve their career goals. 
5. Recognize and celebrate achievements: Acknowledge team members’ accomplishments, milestones, and contributions to the practice. Celebrate birthdays, work anniversaries, and other special occasions to show that you care about them as Individuals. 

A Happy Team Will Raise Your Bottom Line

It is a known fact that when your team is happy, they will go above, and beyond which will make your patients happy. It is a known fact that the happier your employees are, the happier the work environment is and the happier your patients will be. You see, it all spills over. When your patients are happy, they spend more! When the patients spend more guess what happens? The bottom-line increases, and everyone is really happy. Notice it all started with you taking an interest in your team and caring about what they care about. 

The bottom line is if you have capable people, and you show them that you care about them and their concerns, are willing to invest in them and their future, you trust them to help guide your practice to the next level of success, and you rely on them, need them, respect them, and compensate them correctly, you doctors will have a loyal flock, group, crowd, assembly, whatever you want to call it, you will have a team of people that will go to bat for you and your practice. So, I ask the question once again, is it important to consider what your team cares about?

After reading this, I think you know the answer.