Creating a Positive Office Culture
A positive office culture is paramount to a successful practice. It is the essence of how the team operates together.
The culture of any office is ever-changing, and thus, it must be nurtured consistently. Creating a positive office culture daily is vital to practicing teamwork and staying true to the values that empower all staff to be their best versions.
What is Your Culture?
Understanding your office culture is the first step towards creating a positive environment.
But what exactly is office culture?
It’s a complex concept, so let’s start with a more straightforward question. How do we define culture?
Merriam-Webster defines it as “the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterize an institution or organization.”
This article will focus on this definition to help you understand and shape your office culture.
Culture contributes to your team’s well-being and increases patient loyalty and satisfaction. Each team member’s personality, experiences, and attitudes develop culture.
By taking the time to understand this, you can gain valuable information on everyone’s strengths and address any areas that may need improvement.
Encouraging your team to have open and honest communication, hold regular team meetings, and actively listen to your team’s concerns and feedback will help foster trust within your team.
Developing the Culture
You are pivotal in maintaining a positive office culture as an office manager. It’s about more than just understanding culture and how to develop it. You have the power to steer it in the right direction.
Office culture is dynamic and constantly evolving, and you must be mindful of your actions and behaviors. Your team looks up to you for consistency, including your mood and attitude. You can leave your negativity at the door before stepping into the office each morning, setting the tone for the day.
Team members need to know the expectations of the management team.
Each team member should be able to identify and share the office’s vision and mission statement, which needs to be revisited frequently.
Before our monthly team meetings, one of us reads our vision statement. We also discuss whether we are living up to what is written. No one creates success alone. We need a positive team with a shared vision, working together to create an environment where we will all thrive.
Investing in the Team
Investing in your team is not just a nice thing to do; it’s a crucial step in creating a great culture.
Team-building activities, such as volunteering with a local charity, attending sports games, or even just having dinner and drinks after work, can significantly contribute to a positive office culture.
These activities provide a platform for team members to bond outside the confines of the office but also foster communication, commitment, and connection, leading to a more cohesive and productive team.
Addressing Conflict
There will be times when things are not entirely harmonious, and that’s perfectly normal. It is essential to address conflicts immediately. Doing so can prevent them from escalating and negatively impacting the office culture.
Remember to encourage open communication and active listening. Ultimately, seek fair and respectful resolutions for everyone involved, fostering a culture of understanding and respect.
Cultivating a positive office culture is an ongoing process that requires continual effort and attention every moment of every day. It does not matter what your culture was like yesterday or last year; it matters what you are doing now.
Creating an office culture that attracts and retains team members and improves the patient experience will ultimately lead to the success of your practice.
About the Author
Angie Coffey, MAADOM
Angie Coffey’s career in dentistry started in 2005 as a business team member with Dentistry at University Pointe.
In February 2014, she was promoted to office manager. When she first stepped into this role, she was lost, but thanks to AADOM, she headed down the right path.
Angie is currently the Vice President of the SW Ohio/N Kentucky Chapter, where she enjoys networking and learning with my peers. She received her AADOM Mastership in 2023.
