Grow Your Own

How do you get an amazing staff?  You grow it yourself.  I think it's very unusual for a great staff to just assemble in one practice without a concentrated effort that starts with the dentist and manager and grows with each staff member as they are initiated into the integrity of the culture of the practice.

You are the starting point because you have the knowledge of your vision for the practice.  To initiate your staff, you have to share your vision with them.  You must explain your ideals and values and ask them to accept them as their own regarding the practice. 

If you think about anything that you care about and want to see thrive, you realize that you make sure that you create the proper environment to give it the best possible chance.  If you are expecting a new baby, you get the room ready, buy baby clothes and toys and read up on all the best parenting information.  You want your baby to have the best possible start in life.

Try to think about your employees in the same way, whether they're brand new to the practice, or they've been with you a while.  Think of it and explain it this way:  You want to go in a new direction, so everyone's starting at the beginning with this vision for your practice.  There will be some stumbles, maybe some tears, maybe some laughter, but you'll all learn to ride this new bike.  

Some staff members may offer resistance, but with patience and time proven results, they'll learn that doing things in a new way doesn't have to be painful or stressful, and it can be so much better.  Some might not make it if they refuse to let go of what no longer works.  That will become so apparent to everyone that it will be almost a natural falling away.  

As time goes by and the value of working in this new way becomes clear, those that work with the changes will begin to take ownership of the new culture they've helped to create. They will become less dependent and accept more responsibility and continue to grow in confidence and loyalty.  They will uphold the standards and practices with new staff members because they want to protect what they helped grow.  As new staff members enter the team, they too will soon value and appreciate the healthy and positive atmosphere you've created.  

What began as something that you had to grow and tend with little help, will become a thriving co-op that benefits everyone involved.  As you consider the vision you started with and look at what you've grown, you'll experience the satisfaction that comes from working with determination and belief in yourself and those who you've asked to work with you.

Comments

[Gainesville GA Dentist]

I completely agree. The value team starts with the leader. Create a great culture, help people embrace and promote it and you will have a strong team.

[Tim Wilson]

I really think that what you said about vision and getting everyone on board is huge. Having a staff that wants the same things as you and is committed to the same ideals really doesn't happen all at once. The last time we were hiring we made it very clear that the interview is just as much for us as it was for the potential hires. We encouraged them to ask lots of questions and see if it really was a good fit or not and it really made a big difference.