When I discuss with dentists the concept of assuming their rightful role as their own Dental CEO, they often expect the conversation to focus on the hard skills of financial and operational management. This typically involves delving into every financial statement imaginable and donning that “accountant’s hat.”
While mastering these hard skills—understanding organizational workflows, the impact of new technology, and grasping your financial numbers—is essential, it is only part of the equation.
Your responsibilities as a CEO extend beyond just understanding the numbers. You also need to communicate these numbers effectively to your team in a way that inspires and motivates them. This can be more challenging than it sounds.
As the CEO and owner of the practice, the profitability of your business is crucial. It directly impacts your livelihood. However, your team’s motivation is not solely driven by financial gains. They are unlikely to accept lower wages or endure increased stress just for the sake of boosting your profitability. Their primary motivation is the initial vision of providing excellent care and a great patient experience.
If the issue is a lack of patient appointments, consider discussing this with your team from the perspective of care rather than just financials. For instance, frame it as: “Our patients receive excellent care when they are here, but we’re not doing a great job ensuring their next appointment is scheduled promptly. This leads to missed opportunities for the care they deserve. How can we improve our scheduling to enhance patient care?”
By approaching the issue this way, your team will be motivated by the goal of ensuring that patient care doesn’t fall through the cracks. When they are aligned with this vision, you may find that productivity improves naturally.
Your role as Dental CEO involves addressing financial concerns in a manner consistent with your commitment to quality care. If your team perceives that you are solely focused on financial gain, their motivation may wane.
Enhance your communication skills to align financial performance with your vision for exceptional care, and you will likely see improvements in both team morale and financial outcomes.
Shawn Peers was a featured speaker and session leader for the 2024 Academy of Private Dental Practice Annual Meeting.
Dental Industry Experts featured at the APDP 2024 Annual Meeting – From left to right:
Shawn Peers, Dana Watson, Penny Reed
