Developing a Practice Culture Layout: Strategies & Building Blocks
In his influential work on management, Peter Drucker famously said, ‘Culture eats strategy for breakfast.’
Drucker, a renowned management consultant and author, emphasized the significance of organizational culture in determining the success of strategic plans. This means that the way people work together is even more crucial than the plans a company makes.
As dental office managers, we hold a crucial role. Our responsibilities extend beyond ensuring the smooth operation of our practices. We have the power to create a positive work environment where our team members can thrive. By cultivating a supportive and cohesive culture, we can significantly enhance the quality of care we provide and the success of our practice.
In this article, I’ll share practical strategies for cultivating a solid organizational culture within our dental offices: A Practice Culture Layout!
Create the Atmosphere
Define Your Core Values: Core values are the deeply held beliefs and principles that guide our actions, decisions, and interactions. They should reflect the essential principles and beliefs of your team and organization.
Identify and define the core values guiding your team’s behavior and decision-making process. Core Values include:
- Patient-centered Care
- Excellence
- Integrity
- Compassion
- Collaboration
- Continuous Improvement
- Respect
- Accountability
Align and Prepare Our Team
Communicate the company’s core values to all team members, emphasizing their importance in guiding behavior and decision-making. As a leader, embody the company culture in your actions, attitudes, and behaviors, serving as a role model for others.
Create Our Tribe with its Language, Codes, Formats, and Formulas
We should build a group or community where the entire team has a unique way of communicating, understanding each other, organizing our work, and solving problems.
- Language: Refers to the specific terminology, jargon, or communication style used within the group. It could include inside jokes, slang, or technical terms unique to the tribe.
- Codes: Represents the shared rules, norms, or principles that govern behavior and interactions within the tribe. These codes may include values, ethics, or standards of conduct that members adhere to.
- Formats: Describes the established structures, processes, or frameworks the tribe uses to organize its activities, projects, or initiatives. This could involve specific meeting formats, project management methodologies, or documentation templates.
- Formulas: Refers to the strategies, methodologies, or approaches the tribe uses to solve problems, make decisions, or achieve goals. These formulas could be based on past experiences, best practices, or innovative solutions that the tribe has developed over time.
Commit to Developing the Culture
With these three approaches: leadership, execution, and identity (mission, vision, values), we can create a strong foundation that aligns with our values, guides our actions, and enhances the experience for both our team members and customers, that will help us create the perfect A Practice Culture Layout!
- Leadership: Leadership involves setting a clear direction, inspiring and motivating team members, and ensuring everyone is aligned with the organization’s goals and values.
- Execution: Turn plans and strategies into action. It involves efficient implementation, attention to detail, and accountability for results.
- Identity (Mission, Vision, Values): Identity defines the organization’s mission, vision, and values. The mission describes the organization’s purpose and reason for existence, the vision outlines the desired future state or goals, and the values represent the guiding principles and beliefs that shape behavior and decision-making.
Show Our Culture to Our Patients and Include Them in Our Culture
Let’s invite our patients to experience and become part of our unique Culture. By sharing our values, practices, and atmosphere with them, we provide exceptional care and show a sense of belonging and connection.
- Welcome Package: Provide new patients with a welcome package that includes information about your practice’s values, mission statement, and team members. Include a personalized note welcoming them to the practice and expressing your commitment to their care.
- Office Decor: Decorate your office with elements that reflect your practice’s culture and values. This could include artwork, posters, or quotes.
- Staff Introductions: Introduce patients to your team members during their visit. Encourage staff to share a bit about themselves, their roles in the practice, and what they love about working there. This helps humanize the experience and builds rapport between patients and staff.
- Patient Education: Take the time to educate patients about your practice’s approach to dental Care and any unique services or treatments you offer. Explain how your values guide your treatment philosophy and emphasize the importance of preventive care and patient-centered treatment.
- Community Events: Host community events or outreach programs that align with your practice’s values and mission.
Creating a strong organizational culture within our dental offices is crucial for our success. We can encourage excellence by developing a supportive environment where everyone feels appreciated and empowered.
Let’s work together to nurture our practice culture and strive for excellence in everything we do.
About the Author
Rossemary Perez, MAADOM
Rossemary Perez, FAADOM, CLC, has been serving in the dental field since 2017. She began her journey as a Front Desk Receptionist at She Gables Family Dental in Miami, Florida, under the guidance of Dr. Elias Tobon.
In 2020, she assumed the role of Office Manager, overseeing operations across three locations and managing a team of 40 dedicated employees.
Rossemary earned her AADOM Fellowship in 2023 and received her MAADOM designation in 2024. Additionally, she is a Certified Life Coach accredited by the International Association of Coaching.
Passionate about personal development, Rossemary is developing a coaching program in Spanish tailored for dental office administration teams, empowering them to reach their fullest potential.