Dos and don'ts for staff training: Building a better team

How do you turn your staff into a team? Successful leaders can take a group of individuals and transform them into a team through clear communication, training, and coaching.

Share your vision. The doctor must have a vision of where the practice is going -- and it must be shared with team members on a regular basis. Make sure every member of your staff understands the vision from the day he or she joins the practice. The vision statement should be read and reinforced during monthly business reviews. By possessing a clear understanding of what the doctor wants, team members will have a better idea of their roles in the practice's success. In addition, morale will improve because team members like knowing the direction the practice is heading.

Don't be negative. Dentists should provide positive feedback to team members when they perform tasks well. Compliment staff when you see them handle a difficult situation, praise them when their verbal skills help persuade a patient to accept treatment, and thank them for their efforts to build a more successful practice. Showing appreciation is an excellent technique for creating a cohesive and motivated team.