How Do You Celebrate? A Question Every Dental Leader Should Ask

Picture this: The Milwaukee Brewers just clinched their 12th win in a row, and George Webb—true to their legendary promise—is giving away free burgers to anyone who wants one. The whole city is buzzing. Strangers are high fiving in the streets. Everyone’s celebrating together because something amazing happened.

Now picture this: Your practice just had its best month ever. Your hygienist just got a new certificate. Your receptionist’s son just graduated college. How did you celebrate?

If your answer is "we didn’t," you’re missing one of the most powerful culture-building tools in your toolkit. Culture starts with leadership, and celebration is where culture comes alive.

Don’t just celebrate the big wins, either! What about the smaller victories? The hygienist who calmed an anxious patient. The assistant who stayed late to help. The front desk member who solved a scheduling puzzle. When you celebrate the small wins, you’re telling your team their daily efforts matter.

And don’t forget: Celebration needs to be authentic! That means asking yourself: How does my team like to celebrate?

• Some team members want the spotlight—announce their win at the morning huddle.
• Others prefer quiet recognition—a handwritten note or quick conversation.

You don’t need free burgers for the whole city. You just need to notice when good things happen—and make sure your team knows you noticed too. Because what you celebrate is what you get more of. Celebrate excellence, and you’ll see more excellence.

Milwaukee knows how to celebrate together. Does your practice?