Dream Team Culture
Picture this: Your entire team gets along with one another, moves through their day with intention and positivity, and values the vision of your practice.
Wow, wouldn’t that be amazing!
I’m sure most of you would agree that some days, this feels like an unattainable feat. So, the question is, how do you create that environment? The reality is that making a team dynamic like that is a challenge; however, this is definitely possible with the right approach.
It starts at the very first interaction. During the hiring process, assess how a candidate’s personal values align with the team’s core values. This ensures that new hires will naturally fit into the culture. I recommend asking behavioral questions to gauge how they would naturally handle a situation.
Creating The Dream Team: Step-by-Step
Once on the team, fostering a positive environment requires a mix of intentional leadership, clear communication, and a culture of trust. Here are a few key areas to focus on:
1. Clear Vision and Values
The team needs to understand the larger vision and the core values that guide decisions. When management communicates the “why” behind their choices, it helps the team see where things are headed and feel aligned.
2. Empathy and Open Communication
A culture where people can speak their minds openly—whether they agree or disagree—without fear of backlash is key. It’s about creating an environment where people feel heard, even if their ideas aren’t always adopted. Leaders who listen with empathy set the tone for this.
3. Recognizing and Celebrating Contributions
Acknowledge the small wins and appreciate people for their hard work. When people feel valued, they tend to approach their work positively; it also helps build respect and camaraderie among team members.
4. Encourage Collaboration
Encouraging the team to work together and leverage their strengths, interests, and skills is another way to foster harmony. When team members feel they can rely on each other, their relationships strengthen, leading to a more cohesive group.
5. Lead by Example
Management must model the behavior they want to see. If leaders are positive, approachable, and transparent, it creates a trickle-down effect where team members feel encouraged to mirror those behaviors.
6. Conflict Resolution Training
Teaching your team to resolve conflicts respectfully and constructively can help maintain that positive vibe when disagreements arise. Healthy conflict can lead to better ideas, but only if it’s handled with respect and maturity.
7. Create a Safe Space for Feedback
Feedback should be a constant and ongoing conversation, not just something that happens during performance reviews. When employees know that they can voice concerns or suggestions without fear of judgment, it helps to keep things harmonious.
Nurture Culture and Get Results
Remember that pursuing a “Dream Team Culture” is about maintaining consistency in these areas. It’s not just a “one-and-done” thing—it’s about continuously nurturing the culture and the values that support it. I recommend incorporating values-driven assessments in all of your performance reviews.
Each team member needs to understand how well they embody these concepts. This will continue to reinforce their importance in the practice’s overall success.
While getting the team into a consistent rhythm might take time, the benefits of a positively aligned and motivated team will be well worth the effort!
About the Author
Lisa Swanger, MAADOM
Lisa Swanger’s journey began in 2010, when she was hired at the Front Desk of an orthodontic practice. Setting her sights on Practice Manager, she learned insurance, financials, treatment coordinating, and office management across multiple offices.
Joining AADOM in 2021, achieving her fellowship in 2022, and mastership in 2024, she demonstrates dedication to professional development.
Outside work, Lisa finds joy spending time with loved ones, being outdoors, and enjoying the thrill of a scary movie.
