One person, one goal, one change can result in success. We should never underestimate the power of one: having that right one person working for you, setting that one goal or implementing that one change.
We need teams filled with people using their gifts for the betterment of the organization. Having a great team is key to your success. We are usually not just handed the perfect team; we have to build and cultivate one. One that is accountable, collaborative, and engaged (ACE). They will trust you to reach your practice goals.
We use selection, coaching, and rewarding to create, build and mentor our perfect “ACE” team.
Selection: First is there anyone within the organization that we should consider? Then the interview and working interview should verify the candidate’s skill set, the ability to function within the team and ability to take intiative.
Coaching: training, time and empowerment. Without training, we can’t expect our clinical team to use the technology. For example, the intraoral camera by your hygiene team, if they do not feel they have mastered it. I can’t tell you how often I hear “Yeah, we have the cameras but no one uses them.” Well ask yourself why not? Make sure you get your team enough training. There is nothing more powerful than a masterful team.
Training: not only with technology, but with verbal skills. Sometimes we assume our team is saying what we want them to say when, in reality, they are just doing their best but not completely understanding your vision and goals. What, and how you want them to present, is so essential, you may need to hire a coach if you need to, to train your staff for you. It’s in the details; take the time to work through the details and, when you invest, you will have a most productive return.
Finally, empowerment; is your team empowered to do their jobs well? Or are we micro-managing them? Does your clinical team know that they can reschedule for the 2nd appointment for all overdues or advanced perio patients that have extra build up that require more time than expected? ed? Does your business team have the authority to right a patient’s perceived prophy gone bad by offering a complimentary next visit? Envision the power of a well trained empowered team who has the time to serve your clients with the excellence and quality you have always wanted and knew was possible.
Rewarding: the almighty dollar speaks. The financial acknowledgement of your team’s efforts of a job well done is very important. However, our teams are also motivated by nonmonetary rewards; a thank you, a dinner on the boss, a Starbucks card for a great month, a trip to work toward, a day at a resort with a guest speaker, are all wonderful incentives and keep the team motivated. When the team feels you value them and that you, as their employer, are willing to and want to, invest in having a well-paid team, they will go the extra mile and will take ownership by creating an environment of excellence, enthusiasm and energy.
Set the goal to make one change. If your goal is to increase production, make it specific, measurable, attainable and time-bounded. The classic smart system. Say you would like to increase production in the hygiene department using whitening, both in house and take home. Then make a plan and implement it and then track your success on a monthly basis.
What are some other goals? What about increasing new patient numbers? Maybe it’s increasing your whole team’s verbal skills or putting all patients on a perio program or classifying all patients to deliver a high standard of care. Maybe your goal is to have an ACE team; accountable, collaborative and engaged.
One goal, one change with your new ACE team, can and will make a difference. Go ahead set some goals with your ACE team. You can do it! You have the power of one.
Leeann Shipowick, RDH, BSc, is CEO of the Advanced Dental Education Institute.
Is your team empowered to do their jobs well?
