Our brochures, websites & mission statements all proclaim our patients are our highest priority.  We have often been led to believe this mantra will propel us forward into the land of ubiquitous practice ecstasy.  While this is part true, and may work for a while, a shift in thinking has to occur to propel you forward to a new level of growth.  Without it, you will get stuck in Plateauville. The key to a leaving this place in an exciting fashion is to put your team first and your patients second.

 

I assume you understand the importance of serving people with "World Class" customer service in your practice.  There is no debating this.  I get it.  It is incredibly important.  But actually doing it is another discussion.  Doing it requires help from those around you.  Let’s face it.  You can't do everything by yourself.   Try as you may, this is the fastest road to frustration. 

 

One of the biggest questions in dentistry is, "How do we break this plateau?"  My answer is that you have to see your priorities clearly.  While Vision and Patients are of an utmost importance, nothing….and I do mean NOTHING…will propel you forward….in a faster fashion….than a great team.

 

Here are the four steps to consider when getting your business priorities straight to get out of Pleatueaville:

 

 

 

The talents, skills, and attitudes of a well-developed team are much more important to the health of your practice than your patient charts. 

 

Michael McLaughlin, the CEO of Mindshare says, "Whether you have two team members or two hundred, their talents and skills are more critical to your long-term success than your roster of clients.  It is, after all, great team members who drive the profitability of your business."

 

There is no question that the impact of losing a good patient is difficult on any of us.  But the emotional and financial impact of losing a fantastic team member is horribly deflating.  Great team members are MUCH HARDER to replace than good patients are.

 

Put your team members first and they in turn will make your patients their highest priority.

 

 

 

No resource can replace Passion, Energy and Drive in the marketplace.  They are the business world's most valuable resource.

 

A person of poor means and intelligence can (and usually does) influence the world with these 3 resources.  Passion, Energy and Drive are the business world's most valuable resources.  Finding, procuring and nurturing these resources always seem to be the hardest part of running a business.

 

One of my favorite and most efficient practices just hired a new chairside assistant and hygienist in the last 2 months.  Their production is now up by 47% in that short of a time span.  I am asking him all the time, "What is the secret?"  His response… "New energy."

 

Today is a good time to take stock of the plaque that has been collecting on your brain and the roster around you.   Realize that 1+1 =2 with mediocre thinking and team members.  Also, realize that 1+1 = 11 with great thinking and talented team members.  One talented team member, empowered with the right thinking can do the work of 5 mediocre team members.

 

One of my favorite quotes of all time came from an assistant in a great office we are training.  When she came into the practice she told the doctor, "I believe so much in you and your vision that I am going to get us there, EVEN IF YOU GET IN THE WAY!"  Do you think this dentist loves going to work?  You bet he does.

 

"New Energy" and Talent can change the face of your practice.  Better yet, it can change your life.  You breathe different oxygen with talent around you. 

 

 

 

No ad you place in the local newspaper is going to find and keep talent for you over the course of your career.  You may get lucky once and a while, but over the long haul this is a futile recruitment method.

 

One of my mentors, Jim Rohn says, "To attract attractive people you must first become attractive."

 

The ability to attract talent is more a reflection on the culture you have built than on the recruitment methods you use, and the word of mouth that flows from that.  In essence, you have to become the kind of dentist that the most talented people in dentistry would want to work for.   You don't see the most talented students from MIT looking for jobs with companies that have mediocre or "good" reputations.  They go right to the top to the "RARE" or "World Class" companies.  The same thing happens when nation's premier high school athletes choose elite programs with the best reputations. 

 

WHO YOU ARE BECOMING in dentistry is speaking louder than any words that are comimg out of your mouth.  Don't fool yourself; really talented auxiliaries in dentistry are doing more homework on you than you are doing on them when it comes to hiring.

 

Become the kind of practice that the most talented team in dentistry would want to be a part of by putting patients second and team first.

 

 

 

You are part of your team.  Put yourself first in the morning. If you have kids, do it before they wake up.  Take care of yourself first and you'll be able to take better care of those you are responsible for.  There is no greater tragedy than someone who has spent a lifetime helping (or chasing) others at the expense of themselves.  God didn't put you here to make you an expendable resource.  He put you here to make a significant contribution.  Start believing this.  You need a good support system to make a significant contribution.  How you feel about yourself has a lot to do with how the world sees and responds to you.

 

The greatest gift you can ever give the people around you is a BETTER YOU.   It is hard to pay attention to anyone with a storm brewing in your heart.  You truly have to be in a good place to serve people authentically.  Watch Oprah enough and you'll hear a barrage women authors screaming the same message, "Take better care of yourself so you can take better care of others."

 

Get used to "Earning your shower" in the morning, instead of "taking one!"    It will change you life and undoubtedly affect everyone around you in a positive way.

 

Tapping into your potential and taking your business where it was called to be requires you to see the elements that are holding you back.  Make sure your team members know they come first in the practice, and then they will in turn make sure your patients are their first priority.

 

My very best to you and your family,

 

Kirk