Tensions are High Today

I have received a number of calls over the past few weeks from loyal, hardworking employees reaching out to me for my advice. I've maintained friendships with many, many dental professionals over the years and I never turned anyone away who asks for some of my time.

Interesting conversations--all with one common thread and all from various parts of the country.

They shared that their employer/doctors are becoming exceedingly unapproachable and difficult to pin down for a healthy, non-threatening conversation. While it is clear that the shortage in dental employees has not abated, there are still many doctors who are fortunate to employee those team members that everyone seeks. They are the ones that show up every day on time, do their jobs, work well with others, support their doctors and make sure every patient feels "important" and cared for.

Why not give these valuable employees some of your time and show them that you care? Don't make a beeline to your office, put them off, tell them you must make an important call or any other excuse to avoid talking with them. Not everyone is coming to you to complain, ask for time off or ask for a raise. It may be as simple as "I have an idea to become more efficient" or "there is a course I'd like to take to better my skills."

Now more than ever before it is our team members that carry a practice. The good ones are tough to find. Celebrate if you have a super star or two, since without them you surely would be lost.

This is my plea to all those dentists out there who may be having trouble seeing the forest for the trees. Take the time to listen--good or bad. Everyone will win in the end and the specter of stress will dissipate.

Once again, if you don't "know" the people you employ it's time to take the steps to know who they are. Remember, it's not all about "what" they know, but "who" they are as well.