The Six Month Curse

What is it about being in a position for 6 months that makes some people think they've got it for life?  I think it's unfortunate for everyone when an employee gets too comfortable in their progress once they hit 6 months.  I guess that they feel like they know enough to get through the day pretty well, but they don't add anything new.  Imagine if everyone in the practice, including the dentist was satisfied to stay as is after 6 months.  Now that's a scary thought.

Comfortable can be a dangerous place to be and it's a disastrous place to stay.  It's ok to hang out there for a little while, but only to get ready to move on the the next challenge and to learn more.  It is crippling to a practice to allow lethargy or complacency to take hold.  In other words, laziness and lack of interest will bring your practice down. 

Sometimes really nice people can be lazy and lack the desire to grow.  Try to push them a little and they'll spend more effort trying to push you away and throw up blocks than they will trying to go along with you.  The problem is staff gets attached and so do patients.  They don't realize that there is more to it than just being nice.  You need the total package and have a right to expect it.  If you keep up with feedback and setting goals, you have a right to expect the person to work toward those goals.  If not, you may just be faced with the six month curse.  What are you going to do about it?

Comments

[Hannah]

Good reminder. It's always important to consistently seek out new information and strive for excellence in your work. This is especially important in the world of dentistry! Many people are scared enough of the dentist as it is without archaic technology and bored receptionists.

[Edward Logan]

I think the best way to avoid this so-called 'curse' is not to hire one who is cursed in the first place. This is an admittedly difficult thing to do in our industry, of course, as those applying for work in your practice may not be the highest reachers. Nonetheless, striving to hire right the first time can eliminate headaches down the road. Business coach Eric Herrenkohl speaks to this in his book "How To Hire A-Players."