August has been crazy so far! One thing I did not do too well was manage my diary in the first couple of weeks, the result was a shattered person who really wanted a lay in at the weekend. Isn’t it funny how when you want a lay in, and can have one, that you still wake up at the crack of dawn!
While I have been crazy, I have been into many new practices, observing some for the day and have been concerned by everyone’s diary management.
Whilst only 50% of the dentists could work out what they should be invoicing through daily they weren’t making sure this was happening.
Many had a diary full of children and adult exams for 5 weeks which is most definitely not good!
So as I have made an error and mismanaged my diary this month (which taught me a great lesson) I wanted to remind everyone that diary management is a key factor in your success, and it is important to focus on what you need to achieve from your diary.
I am happy to announce to you today a brand new lab that has opened.
Simon and lee are old friends and I have been asking them to take the scary step of setting up their lab for many years and now these two wonderful men have done just that!
I know first hand the level of skill they both have and would highly recommend them to you.
Please take a look at their website and contact them to find out how they can provide you with outstanding results.
While I am big fan of the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People especially the habit begin with the end in mind, it is of uttermost importance that while we do this we must take a look at what you have to work with and build on.
I am lucky enough to be working with practices right now, that I really cannot wait to get my hands into to change their business for the good of the patients and the team.
What I find however, when I observe the practice in full flow is that often the basics are not there to build on in the first place.
I posted a blog last week about change and why team members do not like it, and this is another reason why a team member may of had a negative experience in the past with a change to the businesses structure, if the basics weren’t right then there was nothing for them to build onto!
If you would like to learn about your practice do not hesitate to contact me and ask about my practice assessment day which looks at every aspect of your practice so you know exactly where you are.
Lately have have been to many practices to help them progress with their goals and dreams.
The common statement that I have heard is ” my team do not like change”.
I want to remind everyone why this is:
The team member has had a bad experience in the past with a “change” that didnt work out
The team always hear ideas and are told their will be some “change” but nothing ever happens from the leader so they feel when they are being told about new ideas and concepts that history is repeating itself and they are wasting their time listening!
They may worry that they don’t have the skills to do what you ask
They want to understand why, some people really need to know the ins and outs of everything, even if this frustrates you you need to inform people t the highest level!
The goal you are giving them is too big or too far away in the future, breaking things down does not scare people
So what to do?
Communicate effectively with your team about the changes you want to acheive and why you want to do them, and get them involved – what do you all need to do to get to reach your goals?
By now you may be familiar with my mugshot, but today I would like to introduce you to Sara Reece who is now working for Laura Horton Consulting. Sara will be work in conjunction with me the Business Development Programme. Sara is an extremely talented lady.
The Business Development Programme is not a programme that I market, it is one that is chosen by existing clients once they have seen me in action! To find out more about this programme you can click here
If you would like to learn more about Sara Reece and have a reminder about my background you can do so by clicking here
I am always being asked by dentists “how do I get my team on board? I tell them what I want and they don’t do it. Why do they not care, I once had a team with totally different attitudes so why is this team different?”
My answer is because your attitude is different now. Which brings me on nicely to this:
Recently I have been witness to the two types of attitude that dental nurses own. One attitude I witnessed at a study day where I was speaking. I saw pure negativity and disinterest in any of the speakers – they were only there for their CPD and rather than even opening their minds to develop in their career path they preferred to pull faces and spread their negativity.
The other attitude I witnessed also on the study day and on Saturday at the dental nurse symposium. These dental nurses love their jobs and they want to grow. They want to develop their career and take on extended duties too. They are positive and the group on Saturday gave up their sunny hot day of shopping and sunbathing to be there. Not one person failed to attend even though the weather was fabulous.
So what is the difference between each group and what is the reason they have these attitudes? The answer is their leader. The negative people would probably describe themselves as “just” a dental nurse – because this is the respect they are given at work. Where as the positive nurses wouldn’t use the word “just” in describing their role – because their principals value them as professionals and rely on them as vital team members.
So if you have team members that don’t care about their jobs unfortunately you have to start at the top and address your attitude to your team, are they empowered?
Another factor besides leadership is that you may have a bad apple in your practice who brings everybody down with their negativity and that needs to be dealt with too!
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