Life is busy. Despite best efforts, there may be days that your team brings personal problems to the office. Make sure they all let go of negativity and prepare for the best day possible. Though it sounds challenging, it’s easier than you might think! Below are 10 strategies to help your staff focus on the positives for the good of each other and patients. Want more ideas to boost employee engagement in your office? Contact Jennifer Pearce at (817) 975-4576 to arrange a coaching consultation.
1. Show up on time.
When employees run late, it can be challenging to catch up. Start the ball rolling in the right direction by illustrating punctuality. Be on time, and expect the same of others. If tardiness has been a recurring issue, celebrate every time the team makes it to work early five days in a row. Even bringing in breakfast or healthy afternoon snacks can cultivate an appreciation of timeliness.
2. Coach in private.
Do you need to address an issue with a team member? Do it in private and make sure to listen to the other person’s concerns. Be thorough and professional, not accusatory. Coaching someone one-on-one shows that you care about the other person’s feelings. It also helps keep the atmosphere lighter among other employees who do not overhear coaching discussions.
3. Eat a nourishing breakfast.
We all lead hectic lives. However, you should still make time to eat a nourishing breakfast. Have only a few moments before rushing out the door? A low-sugar granola bar or banana satisfies for several hours, especially when paired with lowfat milk or a smoothie. Choose foods that will keep you full, and avoid empty calorie treats such as doughnuts or muffins.
4. Be grateful for what you have.
It can be easy to focus on what you want. Avoid falling into that trap by taking time to be grateful for even little things. During your commute, spend five minutes reminding yourself of the positive aspects of your life, such as your health, your family, and the dental career you love. An ounce of gratitude quickly snowballs into a pound of positivity!
5. Put everything in order the night before.
A wonderful day starts the night before. Even if you and your team members are in a rush, prep your workplace for the morning. Clean all tools and equipment, polish windows and dividers, and run the vacuum if a cleaner is not coming that evening. Walking into a spotless practice always puts everyone in a better frame of mind.
6. Indulge in some exercise.
Routine bouts of exercise are known to boost satisfaction and happiness. Even a 10-minute quick walk around your building before you start work could be exactly what you need to add pep to your day. Worried you have no time? Most people can fit in a few moments of cardio, even just running up and down a flight of stairs! Exercise triggers feel-good hormones, so add it to your daily habits.
7. Leave your worries at home.
When you are at your dental practice, be present. Instead of thinking about home-related issues, focus on procedures, plans, and patients. Not only will this help you do your best, but it will give your brain a rest. You may find that when you return to your problems, you feel less overwhelmed and more creative.
8. Compliment someone. Then repeat the act of kindness.
It is tough to deny the power of a well-considered, genuine compliment. Practice saying kind things to your colleagues and clients over the course of the day. Over time, giving compliments will become second nature, and others on your team will follow suit.
9. Create a manageable “to do” list.
Instead of doing everything the moment it comes to mind, create a running list of items you need to do each day. You may even want to color code them by priority. Then, systematically work down the list at certain times. You will forget fewer duties and accomplish more by managing and “chunking” tasks.
10. Focus on learning something new.
Each day is a chance to learn something new. Make it your mission to discover something you did not know the day before. You will stay ahead of the learning curve and always feel as if you are moving in the right direction. Feel free to share the information with your colleagues when applicable!
Make Every Day Count
Why allow even one day to pass without doing all you can to make it great? Set the stage for a terrific day today, tomorrow, and for the long haul. Need a little assistance? Set a coaching appointment with Jennifer Pearce by calling (817) 975-4576.
