At DirectDental we get to connect with every type of dental practice. We meet dentists that are thriving, dentists that are struggling and dentists that are right in the middle.
And through many conversations, we have figured out the one thing that all our thriving dentists have in common.
It’s a team that is obsessed with them.
When employees are obsessed with their fearless leader (you), it builds everything in your practice up. Lower turnover, fewer “sick” employees, your patients feel it and love coming to the office, you feel it and love your job and team.
Having an amazing team that loves what they do and supports you above and beyond their duties, is what is going to make you a top dentist.
Now if you have to ask, “How do I know if my team is obsessed with me?” Then your team is probably not obsessed with you.
But not to worry. This post is here to make YOU your team’s greatest obsession.
Step 1: Make sure communication is clear and stable.
Stable is a weird word, but if you are constantly changing how you want your team to do things, or your method of communication changes daily, they are going to get confused and frustrated.
Make sure you communicate clearly and often, and if something needs to change, give them patience and grace while they adjust.
Step 2: Make the work environment fun and rewarding.
I worked in an office that did team lunches once a week. I also worked in an office where the doctor had gourmet cookies delivered once a month and on the day he had them delivered, he would block 15 minutes out on the schedule so everyone would gather in the break room for a fun afternoon treat.
It doesn’t have to be something big, but giving your team a chance to relax and connect with you and each other is going to make them obsessed with their job.
Find fun ways to thank and reward your team and you will reap the benefits.
Step 3: Minimize their stress
If you know you are going to have a stressful busy day, help them out by hiring a dental temp on DirectDental or working closely with them to develop a plan of action to make sure everyone still gets a lunch break.
Busy days are apart of the job, but knowing your care and want to help, means a great deal to your team.
Step 4: Let them know they are appreciated every day
Verbally recognize their accomplishments and tell them you appreciate them daily.
And take time every now and then to connect with each team member one-on-one. Whether that be through reviews, lunches, or just chatting with them in the hall between patients. Getting to know each employee as an individual helps you connect on a deeper level as well as let you know what makes them happy and how to show them you appreciate them.
Step 5: Learn how to better connect with people
You hear all the time about great leaders. And how those people practiced becoming that way.
Find books and articles that help you learn how to connect and lead your team better.
Some articles we have that can help make your team more obsessed with you are listed below.
3 things Great Dental Teams Do
How to better understand your dental staff
How do I handle an unmotivated employee?
Make your new dental employee stick
Self Care tips for the dental professional
How to improve the attendance of your employees
How effective is your morning huddle?
Hopefully, this quick read will get you thinking about how you interact with your team and how they feel about you. It honestly doesn’t take much to foster a great work environment and make your team obsessed with you!
Smiles!
