Unlocking Team Motivation
It’s seven in the evening. I am sitting on the couch watching television with my husband. I find myself endlessly eating Cheetos. Oh, how I love Cheetos.
I start feeling guilty because I eat snacks while on a “diet.” I grab my phone and set my timer to get up early to go to the gym to work off those extra calories I just shoved in my mouth.
Five fifteen in the morning came very early the following day. As I lay there in bed, convincing myself to get up, I can think of every reason to stay in bed. I get dressed and go to the gym.
Am I excited about this?
NO!
I drive to the gym and sit in my car momentarily, trying to talk myself out of going in. Then I remembered I had a dental podcast I had not listened to. I put in my earbuds, open the podcast, and head into the gym. I elect the treadmill so that I may listen while my dental tribe motivates me.
What Motivates Your Team?
I start to wonder:
- What motivates my team?
- How do I know?
- Should I know?
The short answer is YES—I need to know.
But what truly drives us to push through the challenges? What motivates the dedicated team members who make our practices thrive?
To understand what fuels my team, I decided to ask them directly. I posed three simple questions:
- What is your favorite part of your job?
- What is your least favorite part of your job?
- What motivates you to come to work?
To my surprise, the responses revealed a common thread—the love for variety and connection. Many team members expressed delight in the ever-changing nature of their work, where no day is the same.
One hygienist said, “I never get bored, and I always have something to do.”
The dental field offers a rich tapestry of patient interactions, treatment discussions, insurance navigation, and oral health education—a constant source of engagement.
However, what resonated most was the appreciation for teaching and helping others, whether guiding patients toward better oral health practices or mentoring fellow team members. Perhaps most heartwarming was the recurring theme of cherishing the bonds formed with coworkers, who often become a second family in the hours spent together.
The Value of Providing Support to Your Team
While the positive aspects made me smile, it was equally important to address the concerns raised. Brief responses regarding work-life balance and the occasional presence of negative attitudes highlighted areas for improvement.
As an office manager, this insight prompted a renewed commitment to fostering a supportive workplace culture and exploring ways to alleviate stress for team members juggling personal responsibilities.
Contrary to my initial assumption that financial compensation would be the sole motivator, my team’s responses revealed a more profound “why.”
While a portion acknowledged the paycheck as a driving force, many seamlessly transitioned to aspirations of travel, continuing education, or supporting their families’ futures. This realization underscored the importance of understanding everyone’s motivations, enabling me to tailor conversations and opportunities accordingly.
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The Power of Motivation
As I reflect on these revelations, I am reminded of the power of motivation—the sense of accomplishment, camaraderie, and purpose that fuels our daily efforts. While external factors like compensation play a role, internal drive and shared experiences inspire us to show up, give our best, and find joy in our work.
So, take a moment to ponder:
- What motivates you?
- What ignites the passion in your team?
By fostering an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and connected, we can cultivate a workplace that transcends the ordinary—where motivation flows freely, propelling us toward excellence in patient care and personal growth.
About the Author
Lisa Lash, DAADOM
Lisa Lash is a Practice Manager with Associates in Family Dentistry. She has been with the office for a little over 19 years and in dentistry for a total of 26 years.
In 2018, Lisa became a Fellow of the American Association of Dental Office Managers. In 2023, she received her MAADOM and her DAADOM in 2024.
Lisa likes traveling each year to the AADOM Conventions to see her “tribe” of wonderful members she has met. She is in love with dentistry and every avenue it has to offer.
