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Follow This 1 Beacon to Practice Success

You’re faced with challenges and decisions on a daily basis, and it’s easy to lose your way while trying to navigate them all. Just like a lighthouse leads a boat to safety, you need a beacon to guide you toward success, and that beacon is your core values. We LOVE core values here at ACT, and it’s likely you’ve heard us talk about them before. I’m here to tell you that you’re going to continue to hear about core values, because they’re absolutely critical to your practice’s success! As Kirk says, “All roads lead to core values,” so when you want a Better Practice and a Better Life, it’s time to let them become the guiding force in your organization. 

  1. Define them

Before you can truly draft a vision for your practice, you’ve got to establish your core values.

The first step is also the most important, because when you figure out what your core values are, you instinctually lean into them. It creates a foundation, and without that foundation, you’ll be lost and struggle to complete your vision. For help identifying those values, download our FREE tool!

  1. Let them bake

Once you’ve defined your values, you need to introduce them into the practice. It’s important that you take the time to let them bake, because the team needs to know that they’re not aspirational values. Over time they’ll become embedded in the practice, and your team members will take them to heart, becoming second-nature.  

  1. Work on them continuously

It’s crucial to remember that this is not a switch you can flip—it’s a process. It takes work to start that process, and it takes work to keep those values alive and well in the practice. Just like any skill, you’ve got to nurture the ability to ingrain your values. Over time, and with great attention and effort, you will see your core values grow and come alive.

  1. Create a core values champion

Part of keeping those values alive and well involves assigning accountability to the process, and the best way to do so is with a core values champion. It’s crazy important to have a person who has their name tied to this responsibility, because they can hold everyone else accountable. They’ll be able to ensure that the values are showing up, which will create consistency throughout the process. 



I cannot overemphasize exactly how important it is to establish your core values. They will literally make everything easier and help you to create a healthier, happier workplace. You don’t have to get lost in the overwhelming fog of running a business—let your core values guide your way to a Better Practice and a Better Life!

Remember, you don’t have to take this journey alone. Reach out to Gina, and learn more about what ACT does and how we can help you bring your vision to life!

Your patients deserve an exceptional experience, so learn how to create a 6-star experience here! And tune in next time as we discuss how you can elevate your meetings!



Heather Crockett

Heather Crockett is a Lead Practice Coach who takes joy in not only improving practices, but improving the lives of those she coaches as well. With over twenty years of combined experience in assisting, office management, and clinical dental hygiene, her awareness supports many aspects of the practice setting. Heather received her dental hygiene degree from the Utah College of Dental Hygiene in 2008. Networking in the dental community comes easy to her, and she loves to connect with like-minded colleagues on social media. Heather enjoys both attending and presenting continuing education to expand her knowledge and learn from her friends and colleagues. She enjoys hanging out with her husband, three sons, and their dog Moki, scrolling social media, watching football, and traveling.