A lot of people talk just to talk. You might be talking a bunch, but are you contributing to the conversation? Talking and contributing are two different things. Not everyone who talks is a contributor! Do you ever catch team members having side conversations at morning huddles? I bet it drives you nuts! They’re taking away from the meeting, not adding to it. If it’s not something they can share with the whole team, they probably shouldn’t be saying it right now!
Team members (that includes you!) need to be more intentional when they talk.
I like to use the WAIT acronym. It stands for, “Why am I talking?” You’ll become more aware of what you’re saying and whether you should be saying it. You’ll say less words and ask more questions. You’ll add value with your contributions. And meetings will be a lot more productive.
When you feel like talking, WAIT and listen instead!
Don’t talk back when someone asks you to wait, either. One time, I tried arguing with a crosswalk button, and it didn’t go so well. That’s a video you really need to check out!
Kirk Behrendt is a renowned consultant and speaker in the dental industry, known for his expertise in helping dentists create better practices and better lives. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Kirk has dedicated his professional life to optimizing the best systems and practices in dentistry. Kirk has been a featured speaker at every major dental meeting in the United States. His company, ACT Dental, has consistently been ranked as one of the top dental consultants in Dentistry Today's annual rankings for the past 10 years. In addition, ACT Dental was named one of the fastest-growing companies in the United States by Inc Magazine, appearing on their Inc 5000 list. Kirk's motivational skills are widely recognized in the dental industry. Dr. Peter Dawson of The Dawson Academy has referred to Kirk as "THE best motivator I have ever heard." Kirk has also assembled a trusted team of advisor experts who work with dentists to customize individual solutions that meet their unique needs. When he's not motivating dentists and their teams, Kirk enjoys coaching his children's sports teams and spending time with his amazing wife, Sarah, and their four children, Kinzie, Lily, Zoe, and Bo.
