How Dentists Can Have A Positive Impact On Company Culture

Running your own dental practice comes with many benefits, and many challenges. One of those challenges is not unique to dentistry at all, but is fact a challenge for any company: keeping a positive company culture. Every business has the question of: “What is our company culture?” What do we value the most? How do we interact with each other (coworkers) and clients? A job is a job after all, and it’s easy to fall into the cycle of just being there for work, and being unhappy about it. So what can a dentist do to keep the company culture positive at his/her office? What can be done not only to maintain positivity, but also to improve it?

1. Leadership

Well…in any group situation, leadership is important. This is true of dental offices, military operations, and academic study. Leadership comes in many shapes and forms, but we will focus here on the positive forms of leadership that inspire confidence and satisfaction in others.

• Lead by example. None of that “do as I say, not as I do…” nonsense. Be the model employee you wish everyone in your office to be. It may not be possible for a dentist to do all of the work in a dental office, but be willing to learn, and be willing to help where possible. Don’t ask your employees to do something you yourself wouldn’t do.
• Show you care with your actions. Make it absolutely clear you respect peoples’ time. Compensate them as fairly as possible. When someone goes above and beyond, don’t just say thank you, show them how thankful you are.
• Don’t forget to verbally encourage others either. Actions and words together show people how you value them. Thank them, encourage them, and be their to talk to them.

2. Communication

Employees who feel listened to are happier. It’s that simple. Employees who feel that their thoughts are heard, considered, and valued are better workers and happier at work. And you never know…you may even get some great pointers on improving the workplace when you listen to your employees.

• Take criticism in stride. You are the boss, you get paid the most and you have the most education/expertise. A little criticism won’t kill you, don’t let your pride get in the way. Understand that your employees are people, and their problems are as legitimate as yours. If you notice too much negativity in criticism, then you should move on to our next point…
• Try to be positive in your communication. People will often read this and assume it means “never say anything negative.” That’s not right either. What you should do, is try to make your words – even criticisms – focus on the positive. Rather than saying “Please don’t say ‘Hi’ to customers when they come in for a check up,” try saying “It leaves good impression on our customers when we way ‘Welcome’ when they come in. It sounds more professional and friendly.” Focusing on what people can do better instead of what they are doing wrong is a great way to promote positivity in communication.
• Make sure client feedback is known and appreciated too. Employees will begin to believe that you don’t care about their feedback if you don’t ever take client feedback seriously.
• Be absolutely clear in communications. Ensure that everyone knows their part. When an employee starts a job, they need to know when they work, where it is, and what is expected of them. 
• Encourage communication between employees. They need to be able to handle their own conflicts without micromanagement. This shows that you have faith in them, and it helps handle unavoidable conflict. 

3. Resolve conflict quickly

Leaving bubbling conflicts going is a great way to poison the office atmosphere. When you don’t resolve conflicts, it sends the following messages:

• You don’t care about what your employees think.
• You don’t mind if your employees are unhappy at work.
• You don’t want to get involved with your employees affairs.

Now, let’s use our advice from tip 2, and be positive. When we quickly resolve conflicts, we send the following messages:

• Your employees’ happiness matters to you. 
• Your employees’ opinions, thoughts, and feedback are valued.
• You want to be a part of your employees lives, rather than just their boss at the office.

Resolving conflicts is never that easy, but having some clear guidelines set up upon hiring is a great way to ensure there is at least a framework for conflict resolution.

4. Have a vision and/or future goal

Have  goal for your dental office. Make sure that all employees know what they have to look forward to by sticking with your practice. There are plenty of ways to make this manifest.

• Help pay for their education so they can pursue their own medical/dental degree.
• Hire them back/promote them if they go out and become a dentist or hygienist. If you have enough already, be ready to give them a good reference for the practice they go to next.
• Encourage success in your employees. It will result in a happier, more efficient, and better dental practice over all.

Remember, positivity and ambition are contagious. When you give employees a good reference or a clear future, they will do the same to you. Valued employees will have nothing but good to say about their employer.

Josey Lane Dentistry

If you are looking for a quality dental practice in the Carrollton Texas area, then Josey Lane is right for you. Our dental office has been in practice for nearly two decades, and we provide a full range of dental services. Whether you have questions, need a check up, or even oral surgery, contact us today.