Positive Dental Administrative Training
Positive dental administrative training begins with positive words. We focus on those things we prefer. And let go of those we do not. Positive team communication is the best way to begin. Join with me today. Open the door to greater team success. Lead the way, step by step. Day by day. And use my tools to guide your path.
Strive to compliment each team member at least once a day. This is especially powerful in front of a patient. A sincere and simple complement just feels so good. What is one thing you notice that is just remarkable about another? Is there something you might even want to see a bit more of from the team? Because this is the big technique I’m about to reveal. Are you ready for the great reveal?
Think Ice Cream Sandwiches
What? Ice cream sandwiches!? What in the world does that have to do with anything? I get it. You think I’ve totally lost my mind now! And I understand that. But it’s really not the case. However, let’s consider for a moment a celebration of success. And how does that feel? It feels good. Like an ice cream sandwich. Rich. Rewarding. So, let’s make those every day with our team. Ice cream sandwiches! Not literally. (Unless, of course, you want to!)
The idea is to mark our preferred behaviors and actions. Or to teach and promote a change in behavior with positivity. And we do this with the technique I call, the ice cream sandwich. Here’s how an ice cream sandwich does just that! It’s a fabulous way to build a bridge from our desired action to the goal.
Three Solid Pieces
Imagine this ice cream sandwich with three sections. There are two outer shells and an ice cream center. Now, let’s build that in our team interactions. Those two outer shells are compliments. Things we like. And the ice cream center is something we want to see more of. It’s all positive. And it’s celebratory. It feels good. And it’s rather simple to implement.
Let’s consider an example. So, you might see just how you can do this too. And let’s use one of my customer service tips. For example, let’s consider my preference that all team members greet a patient by standing. If a patient is standing, we stand. We come into physical alignment with the patient and help them come into alignment with us much more quickly. This is a great front desk practice!
Positive Dental Administrative Training Example
Now, let’s communicate this preference to our front office team leader. And we might say something like this as the first outer layer of conversation, “Tina, thank you for always greeting our patients so nicely. I notice how warmly you smile as each patient walks in the door. Thank you.”
Then, we add the ice cream center. “Would you be willing to join me in something new? It’s a small change. And something simple. I would absolutely love to see our team members stand to greet patients as they arrive in the practice. And also when patients transition from the treatment room to the front desk. What do you think? Could you do that for me, please? I really want our patients to feel so special!”
Add the final layer. “And that is something you are extremely good at. Thank you, Tina. I appreciate all that you do for our patients and the practice. And I’m so glad you are part of the team.”
That’s It!
You can bring each training challenge to the team in this way. Speak positive change into your dental practice. Use the tools available to you here. Mark success with celebration and ice cream sandwiches! You can use this technique in morning huddles, weekly meetings, annual planning events. Do with it as you will.
