Take the reigns

“So Deb, I’d like you to please speak with Cathy and help her understand why we should not be sending out pre-determinations for basically every patient in the practice.”

“And Deb, can you also have a conversation with Suzie, my dental assistant regarding how important it is to stay in the room and sit beside the patient while I am in the other treatment room conducting a hygiene check?”

No matter how many times I hear this, it’s still mind-boggling to hear requests of this nature, particularly when I learn that these concerns are not new and current. It’s surprising how many dentists are working with employees that have handled things “their” way for years!

Why is this so prevalent in our business?

How can situations like these be ignored month after month and year after year?

I can make some guesses as to why. Perhaps the fear of confrontation? Could it be not wanting to enter into the hiring vortex if this employee refuses to manage the practice the way the employer wants things handled? Could it be that the employer doesn’t necessarily see any of this as a major concern? In practice, all of these examples are often reality.

Let’s review some of the fallout that could stem from turning the other cheek and letting this all go:

· Areas of the business that are left unattended means lost revenue

· The business will slowly fail due to unorthodox systems

· You can expect to compensate new and efficient team members at a high rate in order for them to fix the sad condition in which your incompetent employee left your business.

So please step up and become the boss. Lead the team based on your choice of systems, your choice of protocols and your cultural style.

After all it is Your Business!