practice transitions
With an effective team , there comes a time when a dentist in charge can change his or her focus from managing to coaching . Coaching enables team members to improve their skill set , broaden their vision , and continue their personal and professional growth . Coaching promotes an environment of respect , where each team member ’ s potential is encouraged and supported .
Many of our dental clients own more than one thriving practice . The success of each practice , as with any solo practitioner , is dependent upon an effective team at each dental practice location .
MAXIMIZING YOUR PRACTICE VALUE
PART 2
Transitioning
From Dentist to Coach
by Richard V . Lyschik , DDS , FAGD , CFE
The transition from dentist to coach doesn ’ t have to be dramatic , nor does it have to require additional work . It ’ s an investment only in time and effort with a possible great outcome - highly motivated staff members who are more proactive , selfsufficient and want to stay in your practice . Coaching also benefits you , the dentist . You ’ ll spend less time monitoring the day-to-day operations and correcting negative behavior . You ’ ll be able to spend more time taking care of your patients and serving your broader goal – growing your business . Part of your responsibility is determining the readiness of staff to respond to coaching . Some staff members need only a little coaching to get started , while others require clear , ongoing guidance . Here are some tips :
Set goals and expectations . Start by identifying clear , precise and measurable goals . This helps staff members know what outcomes you expect . Put goals and the action steps needed to achieve them in writing . This helps everyone measure and monitor progress . It ’ s also helpful if hurdles occur .
Keep staff accountable . After working out a timeline for completing tasks and reaching goals , make it clear that each staff member is accountable for reporting progress at regular intervals ( e . g ., once a week , once every two weeks ).
Provide resources to succeed . Setting goals is the first step , but without giving staff the resources and training they need , you likely won ’ t see the desired outcome . Coaching won ’ t help when staff haven ’ t mastered the essentials of successful performance . Maybe they simply don ’ t know how to do the work . If staff simply
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