A year ago we bought a new puppy, Scooter. He has grown into a handsome young dog. Unfortunately he became quite a hand full. While he was loving and affectionate, he was not very disciplined and often tried our patience. He seemed kind of like “an out of control teenager.” I had considered purchasing a shock collar and finally did so after our house sitter had to spend 45 minutes catching him one weekend. Once I acquiesced, bought the collar and spent a weekend working with him, I was amazed at the speed in which he learned. Over the past six weeks I have had to shock him only a handful of times. He has become a great dog. He plays when we want to play but when he needs to obey he does so willingly. Consequently he has more freedom now than he ever had before. Walks no longer involve a leash; when visitors come, he is welcome to be part of the visit; he can run freely at the park. The secret is that now he understands the principles of behavior that are acceptable and where the boundaries are.
May times I was complimented on the productivity and attitude of my staff. Patients and vendors were amazed at their level of activity and cohesiveness. They made dentistry fun. As I have analyzed Scooter’s transformation, I realize that the same principles apply to staff development; a successful dental team understands their doctor’s business principles and boundaries. Often as a dental practice management consultant, I am asked how to create a successful dental team. My answer would be teach principles and create clear boundaries. Just as it took several sessions of consistent work with Scooter to teach him boundaries, it takes consistent reinforcing of boundaries and principles with the staff. Obviously the first step is that dentist as practice executives need to have a clear picture in their own minds as to what those principle and boundaries are. Staffs many times complain about unclear expectations and boundaries. Without knowing exactly what you expect they are unable to deliver. Just like Scooter, inherently they want to please, they just need direction.
May times I was complimented on the productivity and attitude of my staff. Patients and vendors were amazed at their level of activity and cohesiveness. They made dentistry fun. As I have analyzed Scooter’s transformation, I realize that the same principles apply to staff development; a successful dental team understands their doctor’s business principles and boundaries. Often as a dental practice management consultant, I am asked how to create a successful dental team. My answer would be teach principles and create clear boundaries. Just as it took several sessions of consistent work with Scooter to teach him boundaries, it takes consistent reinforcing of boundaries and principles with the staff. Obviously the first step is that dentist as practice executives need to have a clear picture in their own minds as to what those principle and boundaries are. Staffs many times complain about unclear expectations and boundaries. Without knowing exactly what you expect they are unable to deliver. Just like Scooter, inherently they want to please, they just need direction.
