Create Lasting Change with These 3 Steps

Implementing any new idea or change in a dental practice can be a headache-inducing experience, especially if the team is resistant or uncertain. We’ve heard a lot of our practices express this exact frustration, hoping that there’s some way to make the process smoother and more successful. Luckily for them (and you!), we have a three-step plan that will make it easier to try something new:

1. Start with Why

Change of any sort is difficult—no matter who you are! However, the first secret to making it easier comes to us from Simon Sinek. In his book Start with Why, he teaches us that instead of focusing on the “what” or “how” of a new initiative, successful leaders and organizations focus on the “why.” When you’re able to identify and communicate why this change is necessary, you unlock the ability to foster stronger connections with your team and customers. If your team doesn’t understand why the change is helpful or important to them, they’re going to be less inclined to engage or buy in to it. When they get the “why,” all the other pieces fall into place, and everything becomes super easy and clear.

2. Involve the Team

Implementing any change or initiative requires careful consideration, because it will impact your team. Think about the implications it will have for your team members:

• What added work will it bring?
• How will their day be affected?
• What contributions do you expect from them?
• What added value could they contribute?

This is an opportunity to check in with your team members to gauge their understanding of the changes and any concerns they have with it, so schedule regular opportunities for feedback and ask open-ended questions. This type of engagement will help your team embrace the initiative and prevent it from failing right away. Remember, without weigh-in, there’s no buy-in.

3. Keep it Slow and Steady

Many dentists love to rush into their new initiatives, but like Kirk says, “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” When you take your time on the front end to vet and develop your new initiative, it creates long-standing efficiency in the end. A tool that Jaime, one of our fabulous coaches, introduced to us is called the Stages of Change, and it really illustrates the importance of not rushing through the process. When an individual adapts to a new initiative, it doesn’t happen right away; there are five stages:

• Awareness—The individual is aware of the change, but doesn’t understand its relevance.
• Understanding—The individual starts to learn why the change is important and how it might impact them.
• Acceptance—The individual agrees with the need for the change and mentally commits to it.
• Commitment—The individual begins experimenting with the change in their work or behavior by testing and experiencing it firsthand.
• Advocacy—The individual fully embraces and integrates the concept into their routine.

It’s crucial to remember that your team will move through the stages at different rates. If you aren’t regularly checking in with them, you won’t know where they stand, so engage with them instead of assuming they’re on the same page.

The secret to this process is collaboration—if you engage your team and create alignment around the new initiative, you’re going to have a greater rate of success. When your team is able to weigh in, they’re going to buy in to your vision, and that will create lasting results. And remember, this process doesn’t end with Step 3—you have to keep working to improve! 

For additional help in learning how to create new initiatives in your practice, check out this resource!

To learn more about ACT and how we can help you build a Better Practice and a Better Life, reach out to Gina!

Tune in next time and learn how to make 2025 your best year yet by creating more freedom and a better work-life balance!