Change. We all know it isn't easy in the dental practice. Sometimes it's a job security thing (it's not like anyone is feeling that right now, right?). Sometimes it's about communication. Sometimes it's a lack trust or fear of the unknown. Hey, if what we're using in the clinical space isn't broken, why fix it, right? Lastly, sometimes it's timing.
So how do we overcome all these obstacles to change? And why are we talking about it today? Because your business is starting the fourth quarter of the year, and there's never been a more important time to ensure your practice is preparing for a strong finish to 2020 and beginning to 2021.
Here are four things that I believe can help bring about change in your practice.
1. Win over the naysayer
When we want to make a clinical change, we need to win over that wavering team member. That means we have to do the opposite of what we'd like to do. Translation: We can't dodge the Debbie or Donald Downers. Get to being who you promised to be as a team -- your best. Communicate early and often on how to make the clinical changes that you'd like to make. This will help all of you become who you've promised to be, both to your patients and to each other.
2. Engage the energized
Every great team has at least one or two key players who not only understand the need to change but also embrace it. Knowing who yours are and engaging them early and often is a win. There's great strength in multiple team members pushing for progress.
3. Make the unknown known
The only emotion greater than fear is hope. Hope stems from two spheres that fortunately feed each other: confidence and competence. Bring your confidence game in teacher mode. Increase your team's competence. In turn, guess what grows? You guessed it -- more confidence.
4. Timing is everything
It's true, isn't it? Timing really is everything. That, in essence, is the motivation behind this article's timing.
With the start of the fourth quarter, I want to encourage you to reach out to manufacturers and dealers to ask how they can help you with your goals and bottom line for the rest of 2020. I have always believed that our industry partners are truly partners in our success, but we have to engage those partners and work with them on improving our practices, whether that's through infection control and prevention with a company like Hu-Friedy or patient financing with a company like CareCredit. Great things happen when we can work together with others in the industry with a common goal in mind.
So how can you bring about change in your practice? Bring your confidence. Increase your team's competence. Make an unknown known. Engage your energized key players to test drive the opportunities you have in front of you. Once you see a clear path to hope and success, in united fashion, win over your naysayers.
This is your practice, your future, and your success at stake. I'm glad to help you in any way I can. If you have questions or want to ask me more about how I made change happen in my dental practice, feel free to drop me a line at [email protected].
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.
