ADEI Dental Practice Management Articles - The Power of One by LeeAnn Shipowick

One person, one goal, one change will result in success. Never underestimate the power of one; having that one right person working for you, setting that one goal, implementing that one change.

Everyone has gifts, strengths and weaknesses. It is important to take time to understand our team's strengths and weakness so together the whole team makes synergy. Whether you hire that person or acquire them when you buy or start a practice, there is nothing more powerful than a team that is stacked with the right people.

There is success when we build teams with people who are using their strengths for the betterment of our practices. We are usually not handed the perfect team - we have to build and cultivate one. We want an ACE team; One that is Accountable, Collaborative and Engaged - ACE.

We are first accountable; accountable to each other. Can our team count on each other to show up happy, prepared and ready for a productive day? Does our team know what is required of them? Our team can only be accountable to one another when they understand the desired result. The desired result is the vision of the practice, production goals and standard of care, process and protocol, inclusive of their job descriptions. An accountable team will motivate us to reach and exceed our practice goals.

Collaborative - can our teamwork together? In order to be collaborative, our team needs to understand their roles, responsibilities and rules of conduct. Then they can create the synergy and move the practice from being okay to being great. In today's market with the difficulties in finding capable staff, utilizing our team members' gifts, understanding the individual personalities and embracing their differences will create a synergetic team.

Engaged - Does our team have their heads in the game or are they having fun and enjoying the work environment? What do we need to do to create a powerful, engaged team? We must use selection, coaching, and rewarding to create, build and mentor our ACE team.

Selection: First of all, is there anyone within the organization that we should consider? It's often easier to promote from within than start from scratch. Secondly, interviews and working interviews should verify the candidates' skill set: their ability to function within the team and their ability to take the initiative.

Coaching: Training, time and empowerment. We must have proper training. We cannot expect our clinical team to use technology, i.e. the intraoral cameras, if they do not feel they have mastered it. I can't tell you how often I hear, "Yes, we have the cameras but no one knows how to use them!" Ask yourself, why not? Make sure you get your team the proper training. There is nothing more powerful then a masterful, well-trained team. Training not only includes technology but verbal skills. Sometimes we assume our team is saying what we want them to say, when in reality they are just doing their best and not completely understanding our practice's vision and goals. Consistent presentation is essential. We may need to hire a coach to properly train our staff. For us it is in the details, we need to take the time to work through the details and when we invest in the right coaching we will have a productive return.

Finally, empowerment - is your team empowered to do their jobs well or are you micromanaging them? Does your clinical team know that they can reschedule for second appointments for all overdue or advanced perio patients that have extra build up and that require more time than what was scheduled? Does your business team have the authority to right a patient's perceived prophy gone bad to offering of a complimentary on-the-house next visit? Envision the power of a well trained and empowered team who has the time to serve our clients with the excellence and quality you have always wanted and knew was possible.

Rewarding - the almighty dollar speaks. The financial acknowledgement of our team's efforts of a job well done is very important. However, teams are also motivated by nonmonetary rewards such as, a thank you, a dinner on the boss, a Starbucks card for a great month, a trip for work toward a day at a resort with a guest speaker. These are wonderful incentives to keep your team motivated. When your team feels that they are valued, rewarded financially, they will take ownership; go the extra mile in creating an environment of excellence, enthusiasm and energy.

Set goals to make changes. For example, if your goal is to increase production then make it specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time bounded: The classic smart system. For instance, you would like to increase production in the hygiene department using whitening - both in-house and take-home. Who is going to do it? When are you going to start? When are you going to measure its success? How are you tracking it and is there a reward for the team associated with its achievement? You need to make a plan and implement it, tracking your success on a monthly basis.

What are some possible goals? Increase new patient numbers? Increase your team's verbal skills? Put all patients on a perio program, classifying all patients to delivering the highest standard of care? Ultimately your goal should be to have an ACE team: Accountable, Collaborative and Engaged.

One goal, one change, and 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.