The Practicon Viewpoint by Ann Page Griffin

EVERY TEAM MEMBER IS KEY TO YOUR PRACTICE PRODUCTIVITY AND EFFICIENCY

A GRAPHIC WAY TO PRESENT THIS CONCEPT

As the leader of the "band" (your dental practice), one of your most important tasks is to convince each and every team member that they are KEY to the operation, service, and patient care that constitute the output of the office. Make this "YOU MATTER" tune a constant refrain in your practice.

Recognize the TEAM for what it is: the means by which patients are recruited, scheduled, received, educated about restorative needs and their own oral health, treated, cared for, recalled, and valued. Then recognize INDIVIDUALS, each in turn, highlighting each one's special contribution to the practice, to patients, and to coworkers. Each individual is KEY to the way the team functions and interacts, and she or he needs to be told that again and again.

The following amusing piece is a graphic example of the vital importance of every person on your dental team:

You Arx a Kxy Pxrson

Xvxn though my computxr is an old modxl, it works vxry wxll---xxcxpt for onx kxy. You would think that with all thx othxr kxys functioning propxrly, onx kxy not working would hardly bx noticxd; but just onx kxy out of whack sxxms to ruin thx wholx xffort.

You may say to yoursxlf, "Wxll, I'm only onx pxrson. No onx will noticx if I don't do my bxst." But it doxs makx a diffxrxncx bxcausx to bx xffxctivx an organization nxxds activx participation by xvery onx to the bxst of his or hxr ability.

So, thx nxst time you think you arx not important, rxmxmbxr my old computxr. You arx a kxy pxrson!

Suggestion: provide each team member with a copy of the Key Person piece above. Emphasize the concept during staff meetings, in morning huddles, and in one-on-one conversations with individual team members. Talk and walk this concept. Your staff will respond positively to your expressed conviction of the value of each of them.

Please see our Free Resources for Your Practice for additional insights, information, and practice management tips.