Respect: The Art of Getting It and Keeping It

 

Gaining the respect of your employees as a dental office manager involves a combination of leadership qualities, communication skills, and fostering a positive work environment. Losing respect and then working to regain it can take effort, but it is a process well worth your time.

Here are ways to win back and hold the respect of your teammates:

• Lead by Example: Show your team and employer that you are committed, hardworking, and dedicated to the success of the practice. Be punctual, professional, and demonstrate a strong work ethic.
• Communicate Effectively: Maintain open and honest communication with your team. Become an expert listener. Hear their concerns, ideas, and feedback, and address any issues promptly. Clear communication helps build trust and mutual respect.
• Support Professional Development: Encourage your employees to pursue continuing education and professional development opportunities. Invest in their growth and provide resources for them to expand their skills and knowledge.
• Recognize and Reward Achievement: Acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of your team members. Whether it is reaching performance goals, providing excellent patient care, or going beyond their duties, recognition boosts morale and fosters a sense of appreciation.
• Set Clear Expectations: Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations for each team member. This clarity helps avoid confusion and ensures everyone understands their duties and contributions to the practice. Do what you say you are going to do and hold others to the same rule.
• Promote a Positive Work Culture: Foster a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, respected, and motivated. Encourage teamwork, collaboration, and mutual support among team members. A cheerful outlook is contagious; foster an environment of positivity.
• Be Approachable and Empathetic: Show genuine concern for your employees’ well-being and be approachable when they need assistance or guidance. Empathy and understanding go a long way in building strong relationships and earning respect.
• Manage Conflicts Professionally: Address conflicts or disagreements among team members promptly and professionally. Function as a mediator to resolve issues amicably, if necessary, and promote a harmonious work environment. Base your responses on facts, not emotions.
• Lead with Integrity: Demonstrate honesty, fairness, and integrity in all your interactions and decisions. Upholding high ethical standards builds trust and credibility with your team.
• Be a Problem Solver: Develop an engineer’s mentality. Office managers must always be analytical people. Daily routines in a dental practice are fraught with complicated, unplanned moments (equipment failures, difficult patients, staff problems) which can disrupt a smoothly run practice. Properly overseeing situations can be an art-form. When presenting a problem that needs solving, be ready with a solution. This shows strength in your leadership skills and builds your peers confidence in you.
• Seek Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Solicit feedback from your team regularly and be open to constructive criticism. Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes to enhance team dynamics and performance. During review time, have a simple questionnaire the staff completes ahead of their review. This is a healthy way to encourage feedback and another way for them to feel supported.

By embodying these principles and qualities, you can earn the respect and admiration of your employees and those who employ you.

 

 

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About the Author

Catherine Maurer, MAADOM

Cathy started in her father’s practice in 1969, helping in the lab and developing X-rays the old-fashioned way. In the 55 years since, she has embraced the tremendous scientific and technological advancements in dentistry, working with her team to apply them to the benefit of the practice’s patients.

As a former Dentrix trainer and salesperson, she is keenly aware of the benefits of software-driven practice management. She recently project-managed the design and build-out of a new office facility. One, which, through the passion and quality of care provided by the entire team, was just named Best Dentist of all the practices in her hometown of Lake Oswego.

Cathy is currently VP of the Portland, Oregon DPLN, and a lifetime member of AADOM.