Leading with Movement: How Walking One-on-Ones Enhance Team Communication
As leaders in the dental industry, it’s essential that we continually foster an environment of trust, openness, and positive communication.
As part of my journey toward achieving the distinction of Master of the American Association of Dental Office Managers (AADOM), I wanted to explore a unique approach to leadership: conducting walking one-on-ones with my team members. This simple yet effective method allowed me to connect with my team in a meaningful way while also providing them with a safe space to express their thoughts, concerns, and aspirations.
The Concept of Walking One-on-Ones
In the fast-paced world of dental office management, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily operations and forget to connect with team members on a personal level. Traditional sit-down meetings can sometimes feel formal, and while they serve their purpose, they can also create barriers to open communication. To overcome this, I decided to introduce walking one-on-one with my employees.
During these walks, I take my team members outside for a stroll, creating a relaxed and informal setting where they could feel more at ease.
The goal is simple: To open up a safe space where they could freely share their thoughts, goals, and feelings about their roles.
These one-on-one conversations are designed to be a two-way exchange, where not only do I listen to their feedback, but I also gain valuable insights into how I can better support their professional growth and overall job satisfaction.
The Questions I Asked
The walking one-on-ones are structured around a few key questions that are designed to encourage self-reflection and open dialogue.
I ask my team members to share their thoughts on how they feel their job is going. I want to know what challenges they are facing and what areas of their work they find most fulfilling. Additionally, I ask them about their personal and professional goals and what they envision for their future in the dental industry.
By focusing on each team member’s individual experiences and career goals, I aim to show that I genuinely value their input and am invested in their professional growth. The one-on-ones provided a valuable opportunity to discuss any concerns they might have in a relaxed setting, where they felt comfortable being completely candid.
Feedback and Reflection
After each walking one-on-one, I provide my team members with a short questionnaire to gather feedback on how they feel the conversation went. The responses are overwhelmingly positive, with many team members mentioning that the walking format made them feel more relaxed and open. They appreciate that the setting is informal, which allows for more honest and authentic discussions.
Several team members shared that they feel the walking one-on-ones fostered a stronger sense of connection with me as their leader.
It is evident that the combination of the informal setting and the sincere interest in their perspectives significantly contributed to building trust within the team. For some, it was the first time they truly felt their feedback was heard and genuinely valued, which was really insightful to hear.
The positive feedback confirms that creating a safe space for open communication is crucial to fostering a healthier work environment. It also reinforces the idea that leadership is not just about managing tasks, but about building relationships and supporting the growth of the team.
The Impact on the Team and the Practice
Since I implemented the walking one-on-ones, I’ve observed several positive shifts within the practice:
- The team is more empowered and actively engaged in their daily tasks, and there’s been a clear uplift in overall morale.
- Communication has become more open and transparent, and I’ve noticed team members are more proactive in identifying challenges and proposing solutions.
- By having these regular check-ins, I’ve been better able to identify potential issues early on, and it’s fostered an environment where the team feels more comfortable approaching me with both concerns and innovative ideas.
- This personalized attention has not only improved job satisfaction but has also helped to foster a sense of loyalty and trust within the team.
Personally, walking one-on-one has helped me as a leader. They’ve provided me with valuable insights into the unique needs and goals of each team member, allowing me to tailor my leadership approach and better support them as an individual.
Strengthening Leadership Through Connection
Leadership isn’t just about managing a team—it’s about building relationships, fostering trust, and creating a safe space for open dialogue. By incorporating walking one-on-ones into my management style, I am able to create an environment where my team feels heard, valued, and empowered.
The positive feedback and improved team dynamics serve as a testament to the power of communication and the importance of taking the time to connect with your team in a meaningful way.
As I continue my journey as a dental office manager, I will carry these lessons forward, knowing that by investing in my team’s growth and well-being, I am contributing to the success of the office as a whole. I encourage fellow managers to consider implementing walking one-on-ones or similar strategies to cultivate an open, positive, and safe work environment for their teams.
About the Author
Christine Auger, MAADOM
Christine is the Practice Manager for Endodontic Associates, P.A., bringing over 20 years of experience in the dental field. Starting as a dental assistant, she transitioned into management in 2017, and joined Endodontic Associates in 2020.
Christine holds a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and earned her Mastership from the American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM). An active member of the Maine Dental Leadership Coalition (MDLC), she remains committed to advancing dental practice management and fostering leadership in the field.
