Why Is A Positive Environment Important?
Most businesses, including dental offices, focus on the services they provide to the public and believe it is the most important part of their business, but they are only half right. The first thing a patient will notice when they enter your dental practice is how your team members treat patients (positive environment), but also each other. Although the work that you and your team perform is important, it is equally as important to make your patients feel a sense of comfort and ease when they enter your clinic.
What Can I Do As A Leader To Create A Positive Work Environment?
The dynamic of any office is set by its leaders, as they wield the most power and determine how day to day life will be. As a leader, it is important that you go beyond just getting your job done and are cognizant of how your processes, decisions and demeaner affect your team members. Little things, such as taking 5 minutes before the start of the day to speak with everyone on your team, can make a world of difference and let your teammates feel of sense of camaraderie. It is also important that the Associates and Team Leaders are in unison when it’s come to decisions concerning the practice, so they can put up a united front and motivate their team to work together.
What Can I Do As A Team Member?
Although the culture of the office is set by it’s leaders, it is up to team members to continue to maintain and uphold the culture daily. As a team member, you may not always be privy to why certain decisions have taken place, or you may not agree with the workflow of the practice, which can cause you to feel out of place or under appreciated. The best thing to do in a situation where you do not necessarily agree, is to have an honest conversation with your leaders about how your expectations have not been met. In addition, it is your responsibility to listen to what your leaders are saying and try to place yourself in their shoes, in order to get a better understanding of their thought processes.
Working Together
Leaders and team members need to work together to create a positive work culture, that encourages open communication. A positive work culture will be felt by your patients, which will ensure they feel more at ease and welcomed when they come to your practice.
