Together Everyone Achieves More

by Jillian Cecchini, Managing Editor

If you read this month’s Data Driven Dentistry feature, it focuses on the importance of loyalty to help your practice grow. Based on our survey findings, the data tells us that the number one reason your patients trust you is because of the relationship you’ve created with them. This stands true to any workplace environment. Without trust, there is no room for growth. And without growth, everyone is simply stuck.

Loyalty is hard to find and trust is easy to lose. And let’s not forget how actions speak louder than words. That being said, only you have the power to affect change in your life. Without trust, we don’t truly collaborate. We merely coordinate or, at best, cooperate. It is trust that transforms a group of people into a team. You can have a compelling vision, a solid strategy, great communication skills, innovative insight and a skilled team, but if your employees don’t trust you, you will never get the results that you’re striving for.

We’ve all experienced rough patches throughout our careers. Some more rough than others. It’s important to remember that these tough periods of time are temporary and by having the right mindset, we can escape these situations unharmed. I’d like to take this opportunity for my first editorial of 2020 to focus on what leaders can do to better improve the quality of work through trust.

When employees get along in the workplace and respect their leaders, it’s amazing how productivity increases, morale grows and how more courtesy is shown towards fellow employees, clients or patients. Trust builds a strong foundation that carries the weight of growth in a company. So, how is this achieved?

It starts off with leading with integrity. People want their leaders to be ethical. If employees believe that their superiors have reasonable intentions, they are way more likely to be committed. Secure leaders know to ask for help, admit what they don’t know, and admit when mistakes are made. It’s also critical for leaders to share goals and strategies with their teams and not leave anything unsaid or in the dark. Another aspect is empowerment. It’s well-known that empowerment drives motivation. It’s essential for leaders to make their employees feel trusted in their work. It will show not only in the quality of work, but in their overall attitude in the office. This also leads to your employees being recognized for their work. Reward them by simply telling them they’re doing a good job. It’s as simple as that. You have to make sure they feel valued and appreciated, which will overall gain their trust and appreciation.

I’m not an expert in this field so I understand if you take my advice with a grain of salt. But from personal experience, this is what has empowered me throughout my career. And even if one aspect of my opinion or advice speaks to you, then I’ve done my job (and perhaps even earned your trust).


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