How did the Chicago Cubs move from the eye-rolling bottom of the barrel to contention in 2015? Their last World Series victory was in 1908, and this reversal of a legacy of losing, attributed to self-actualization, strong leadership, and a new vision, is remarkable.
Turning teams into winners pertains to your dental office, too.
Bill Blatchford, DDS, and Christina Blatchford, DMD. Image courtesy of Blatchford Solutions.How did the Cubs achieve this? After more than a century of disappointing their fans, the main change was leadership. A wealthy Chicago family of long-time fans worked hard to purchase the team from the struggling Chicago Tribune company. As the purchase took two and a half years to complete, there is no question the purchasing family clearly has drive and determination.
These new owners were devoted to changing their Cubs into winners. How strong is your leadership? Do you have the same drive to turn your team around? Can you change the reputation and direction of your practice?
A winning vision is so strong that it gathers others to join in with this new belief system. But it's not easy to change the thinking from that of a losing season, a continuation of what everyone else believes is going to become reality, to something amazing.
How did the Cubs develop pride and a positivity of winning rather than seeing themselves as continual losers? And how does this apply to your practice?
The new owners hired a new manager whose job is to provide strong leadership. Manager Joe Maddon carries the banner for his team's change of mind-set. There cannot be cracks or doubts. He is a believer with enthusiasm. His vision for winning is complete. He is a mood setter and mentally steady. When the Cubs had a setback in the recent National League playoffs, for instance, he played the fanfare from the movie "Rocky."
In addition to a new manager, the owners allotted funds to refurbish Wrigley Field, signed some new players, traded for others, and developed the rest in their minor league system. The point for your practice is that a new vision affords the opportunity to rethink everything.
A dental team can believe winning is not possible because of a negative attitude. Perhaps a bonus system was set up but has been not reached for so long that the team is no longer even aware it exists. Or, negativity could exist in the form of a subtle team conflict in which one team member is deemed to be the doctor's favorite. Or, you have a doctor who is distracted and not present in conversations. The end result is a new staff motto of "If the leader doesn't care, I surely am not going to go the extra distance."
You may need a new coach. You may need a new vision of winning. You may need to change the environment. Ask yourself this question: Where is the problem or source of negativity? Strong leadership can create trust and cooperation. A leader sets the tone, putting the team first. Strong leadership is a choice.
Unlike the Cubs, your patients will not wait 107 years for you to turn your practice around. You can have more net, more time off, and more joy for dentistry. Do it now!
Bill Blatchford, DDS, is the CEO of Blatchford Solutions with more than 40 years of coaching dentists. Christina Blatchford, DMD, is in private practice in Milwaukie, OR. Together, they are Blatchford Solutions. Their latest book, No Nonsense Transitions, is available at www.blatchford.com.
The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.
