Keeping Your Dental Dream Team Happy, Part 2 by Cathy Jameson, Ph.D.
Just as there are things we've found that don't work well, we've also identified things that are effective! So, try implementing these in a consistent manner. While these may seem like common sense or you might find them to resemble each other, there is valid research and years of experience that we are sparing you in the explanation. I promise there is value if you contemplate each of these and do your best to find its true meaning. I'm shaving years off your learning curve - embrace this even if you question it at first.
1. Incentive Bonus
2. Statements and actions that express appreciation
3. Involvement
4. Trust
5. Respect
6. Admiration
7. Team members feeling proud, special, upper crust
8. Openness about problems as well as work well done
9. Integrity and commitment
10. Continuous improvement
11. Sharing in the rewards of work well done
12. Clear definition of systems and expectations
13. Celebrating an accomplishment and giving credit where credit is due
14. Horizontal versus hierarchical management
15. Expected and unexpected awards
16. Stepping back and letting people soar
17. Excellent communication- professional conversations and conferences when necessary
18. Dealing with problems immediately and professionally
19. Holding fast to standards of excellence
20. Being honest and open when you make a mistake. Saying "I'm sorry"
21. Being able to say, "I don't know-but I will find out"- then doing so
Again, never assume your opinion is the same as that of your dental team. Listen to them. See what they think about these questions and how many of them make them chuckle in embarrassment, roll their eyes or tense up as common chords and points of familiarity are tickled.
If you haven't already done so, establish the vision of the practice and design a strategic plan of action for accomplishing those goals. Then, study communication skills. Vision, goals and communication are the foundation for teambuilding and practice development. With this foundation carefully laid, you can begin a successful journey of practice growth and enhancement.
Unified vision and goals; surrounding yourself with superstars; establishing position responsibilities; activating a plan; leadership and accountability; compensation and more all come into play. You can establish a great team and keep people happy. It takes outstanding leadership. Use these checklists to discuss what works and things that don't work. Assess where you are and start taking steps toward your dental dream team's ideal environment.
As you can see there are many steps that can be taken to improve your practice and strengthen your dental team. Find out how Jameson can help you get started today. Click here for more.
