Find the Office You Cannot Outgrow: 5 Factors for Healthy Growth
That moment. That instantaneous realization when I see the beautiful plant sitting on the store shelf. The recognition that I have found the perfect plant for the sunless, empty space on my desk brings a smile to my face. What a glorious feeling finding the one.
Then it hits me. Finding the perfect dental home made me feel the same.
When choosing your forever dental home, it is important to select the office that will provide the best conditions to fulfill your maximum potential. Those with a green thumb understand!
Environment plays a crucial role in the survival and thriving of different plant species, as each type has evolved to adapt to specific conditions. Factors such as climate, soil type, moisture levels, space, and sunlight exposure directly influence a plant’s growth and overall health. Just as plants need special conditions to survive, so do you!
You must recognize what you professionally require to flourish as well as horticulturists understand their subjects. It is then you can determine if you have found your perfect dental home – the practice you cannot outgrow.
1. Not All Soil is the Same: Choosing a Culture That Nurtures You
Dry, sandy soil may significantly hinder a hibiscus, while a Saguaro Cactus can reach heights of up to 40 feet when provided with the same soil. This thought process is also true for ideal culture settings for dental professionals. When comfortable and safe in an environment, it is possible to establish strong roots that will support constant growth.
Culture may be a result-oriented, collaborative mindset – goals are met, exceeded, celebrated, and reset to higher standards. Hierarchical based cultures offer clear structure and protocol while other office cultures can be innovative with a focus on creativity, taking chances, and encouraging new ideas from every team member. Each office’s culture is unique, and no single culture is inherently superior to another.
The positivity of a well-matched culture can be a strong driver to success. Alternatively, it can be deflating if one is put in the wrong cultural environment. Like seaweed in the sun, an inadequate culture sucks the life out of those ill-prepared to survive it.
2. More Than a Thermostat: How Office Climate Shapes Growth
Imagine a banana tree in Iceland: the leaves are shrinking, the roots are retracting, and the bananas will not grow in this climate. This tree will not survive unless it can adapt or move to an environment that provides surroundings cohesive with its needs. Meanwhile, Artic Thyme enjoys the short summer, harsh temperatures, and rocky, open landscape filled with moss that does not hinder the view of the sun. Climate is very important to success!
When discussing the dental office climate, the thermostat is not the focal point (though what degree it is set at might be a consideration when deciding if a practice is the right fit, we all have that struggle). Climate is truly about what is around us and how it makes us feel.
When we believe in the dental treatment being performed and its indispensable value to the patients, we put forth more effort to perform the job and improve our skillset. We can then readjust the limit on possibilities. If a manager is comfortable in the position, new seeds will sow to extend reach and fulfill growth potential.
3. Drop by Drop: How Personalized Recognition Strengthens Roots
Cacti flourish in scorched deserts where they can conserve water, while lush ferns thrive in the humid undergrowth of tropical forests – there is not one correct moisture setting that will allow every plant to thrive. Some need to absorb moisture from every stoma (pore) while others easily persevere between long stretches of receiving water.
This is a delicate and vital dance. If a plant is watered too frequently its roots may begin to rot while scarcity will cause brittleness.
Being recognized professionally can be a sensitive matter. Everyone wants it, but only the proper amount at the correct moment and in the exact way that makes us comfortable.
It feels good to be noticed for calming the nervous patient or finally gaining control over insurance network contracts. Some may want a verbal announcement with confetti and cake for all to celebrate while others may prefer a discreet thank you card.
Without properly tailored recognition, those vital roots that have spread will become fragile and incapable of completing the multitude of task required – even standing confidently will become difficult.
4. Room to Rise: Finding the Right Fit for Your Leadership Style
Succulents are known for growing tight, firm roots within small containers, which help them thrive by preventing excess moisture that could smother them.
Consider a maple tree placed in the same confined space. It seems unlikely that the maple could ever reach its full potential. In an unrestricted environment, the maple could grow to heights of up to 75 feet. Just as each plant species has a unique requirement for space, so too does each office manager have preferences regarding the amount of influence and level of free rein in their leadership role.
The title of office manager holds a different definition at each practice. In some scenarios, the office manager may focus on greeting, scheduling, and managing day-to-day operations.
In contrast, other practices may assign a more comprehensive role for its manager such as overseeing inventory ordering, clinical duties, payroll, marketing, and human resources. Understanding the job description and expectations set in place by an office will help determine how much autonomy and influence are available in this role.
Just like picking the correct planting location, finding a practice that aligns with your strengths and ambitions is key to professional success.
5. Absorbing the Right Light: Aligning Educational Support with Success
Peace lilies will grow stunning white flowers in the darkest corners. If placed in direct sunlight, these flowers would shrivel, and the leaves would burn. Inversely, a sunflower will turn its face with the sun to absorb as much light as possible. If placed in an area without direct sunlight, the sunflower will be unable to perform photosynthesis causing stunted growth and a weak steam.
Education can be converted into positive energy and growth by an office manager’s own version of photosynthesis. Education can come in the form of on-the-job training, lunch-and-learns, virtual courses, and in-person, energizing conferences.
One manager may feel overwhelmed by constant courses while another will thrive with the continuous flow of information. Education preferences should be discussed in advance of accepting a position.
If a business owner doesn’t understand the value of supporting the office manager, there is the opportunity to express what can be brought back to the practice. Understanding how accepting a practice is to the office manager bringing in this knowledge is key in determining if this is the correct environment.
Finding the Right Environment to Help You Blossom Professionally
I invite you to review your current office’s environment.
- Does the culture structure and climate allow you to feel comfortable enough to spread your roots?
- Does your boss know who you are and what you do well enough to recognize your professional successes in a way that inspires you to do more?
- Are you happy with your job description and influence on your practice?
If not, consider what needs to change. You must recognize what type of plant you are to determine what you require in order to find the office you cannot outgrow. It is your time to blossom.
About the Author
Elizabeth Capecci, FAADOM
Elizabeth Capecci witnessed the life-changing impact of dental care as an assistant and has been dedicated to the profession ever since. As a voracious learner, she is committed to expanding her skillset to best serve her team. As Director of Member Success at BAM DPLN and owner of Full Scale Dental Solutions, she thrives in leadership.
Outside work, Elizabeth enjoys biking, baking, gardening, and reading with her husband and three kids.
