By December, everyone’s tired of working. The excitement of the holidays takes a front seat, pushing the humdrum daily agenda to the back. How can dentists keep their front and back office personnel feeling energized and inspired, year round? Today, our team at Prosperity Dental Solutions offers a few tips and tricks for keeping your team motivated.
Show Enthusiasm
For some individuals, a positive disposition is second nature. But no matter what your unique personality, it is important to exhibit some degree of enthusiasm to your employees. It is essential for team leaders to actively motivate staff members through:
- Encouragement
- Affirmation
- Compliments for a job well done
- Gratitude
- Gentle correction and constructive criticism
- Empathy
Eat Breakfast Together
Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day. Why not eat together, as a team, before seeing your first patient? This gives team members a chance to engage in conversation and start their day in a positive mood. Depending on team interest, this can be a monthly, weekly, or even daily occurrence.
Plan a Team Day Out
Research suggests that employees who spend time with their bosses outside the office are more inspired, more engaged, and more motivated.[1] Treat your team members to a day out. Go out to lunch. Pay for a spa day. Go bowling. Take a cooking class together. These are all excellent ways to escape the chaos of the office for a while and let your team unwind.
Give More Responsibilities, Not More Orders
Do you feel that your team underperforms during the holiday season? It may seem counterintuitive, but doling out more responsibilities is an excellent way to let team members know they are part of something important. Avoid simply barking out orders, and trust that each team member will complete the task at hand. This will give your employees a sense of purpose and belonging.
Of course, you must ensure that one or two employees are not carrying the burden of the entire team. It is also essential that you put efficient methods in place so your team members feel empowered rather than overwhelmed and frustrated. For example, if you are thinking about upgrading your practice management software or switching IT providers, plan on implementing these things after the holidays, once life becomes less hectic.
Increase Communication
No one is a mind-reader. It can be incredibly frustrating to work in a practice that lacks communication. You may know exactly what you want and need to run a successful business, but you need to communicate these clearly to your team members. More importantly, involve them in the conversation. You may be surprised how many of your employees have creative, effective ideas. Try asking questions like this:
- What do you like and dislike about your job?
- What types of training would help you hone your skills?
- If we bring on another team member, what responsibilities would they need to carry out?
- What would you do to increase production in the practice?
These not only allow your employees to have a voice, it also makes them an active member of the team.
Keep an Open Mind
You have a lot of wonderful ideas. Yet, as efficient as you are, there’s always room for improvement. As a practice owner, you must be willing to change when necessary. Sometimes, methods that worked well five years ago become outdated. Listen to your team. Ask them what kinds of changes could improve morale and the overall atmosphere of the office.
Contact Prosperity Dental Solutions Today
If you would like to learn more about motivating your dental team and maximizing your practice, schedule a consultation with Jennifer Pearce, founder of Prosperity Dental Solutions. Contact us online anytime or give us a call at (817) 975-4576.
[1] http://www.thedentistryawards.com/2017/05/12/motivate-your-dental-team/
