Everyone enjoys a pleasant surprise. This goes for members of your practice team as much as anyone else. So to create a positive impression on them, motivate them, or make them want to please you with their job performance, surprise them! Say, do, or give something unexpected and you, too, may be surprised -- at how effective this simple leadership technique can be.
Show your appreciation in surprising ways. In addition to complimenting and praising team members whenever they make an extra effort or do something exceptionally well, surprise them. Give flowers. Bring in a box of fancy donuts. Announce a team appreciation dinner, party, or night at the movies. Use your imagination.
Don't forget the little things. Rather than waiting for big reasons to spring big surprises, think small. If a team member handles a difficult task with a smile -- even though she had a flat tire that morning -- acknowledge it with a little thank-you note or gift card. The positive impression you make will be disproportionately large.
Roger P. Levin, DDS, is the founder and CEO of Levin Group, the leading dental practice consulting firm in North America. For the complete list of dates and locations where you can attend his latest seminar, visit www.levingroup.com/gpseminars.
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