Rewriting my job description

As we come to what has historically been the end of summer–Labor Day–I realized that it marks an end for me too.

For the past 25 years or so I have put all my efforts and professional energy into both onsite and virtual dental team development, team integration, team maintenance and related subjects. I’ve written for many dental publications over the years, spoken across the country and have contributed to many online social networks.

Like everything in life, there are always some challenges, but I managed to make it through them all unscathed and consistently came back for more. I’ve met some amazing people along the way and although I’ve coached and advised hundreds, I’ve learned a ton from all of you and know for sure that I could never have gotten this far without the lessons you have taught me. Here I stand, someone who should be thinking about retirement like most of my peers, yet instead I am re-inventing myself one more time as I create a new role and developing a totally new job description for myself. Sound vaguely familiar, Linda Miles?

I must say that this change is bittersweet and I’m not afraid to admit that I too fear change to some degree. I know this is an ongoing issue for most of us in the dental profession, and all of us discuss the fear of change quite a bit. But how can I not practice what I preach? Change must happen, for if we all lock ourselves in and choose to never make adjustments or changes, how can growth occur?

I’ve been here before, but each time it’s been a little difficult. If we become obsessed with the risks connected with this, then we should also be concerned about leaving our homes since we could get hit by a truck, or not taking chances with other things that we routinely do on a daily basis.

As OurPerioTeam begins to take off and show traction and the interest is beginning to percolate, I know that I’m needed here at this point, supporting the growth, development, and ongoing enhancement of the product.  I plan on being involved, but it’s been a tough adjustment for me to come to the reality that working with dental teams in the capacity that I had been for years is now going to change.

What is helping me with this “change” is that I have decided to continue to stay active on social networks, continue to write and contribute articles to support my peers, and give back to all those that helped me get to this place. I will not charge for any advice I offer, but I will only have time to offer limited suggestions and guidance based on my new job description and work schedule.

Believe it or not, setting up this arrangement with myself really did ease the anxiety so now I can sleep better.