Why your practice needs a team of CEOs

While you're the practice leader, you simply can't build a thriving business on your own. Your team members play a huge role in your practice's success, and that means the more engaged they are, the better.

Sally McKenzie, CEO of McKenzie Management.

That's why I suggest you train your team members to think like CEOs. This will help them see how valuable their contributions are and what they can do to move the practice toward true success and profitability. They'll feel more connected to the practice, which will lead to a boost in production numbers and your profits.

For this to happen, you need to provide your team members with the tools and guidance they need to excel. Empower them to take ownership of their systems. To get started, I recommend that you ask your team members the following questions:

• How can we enhance patient care?
• What would you do if you were me?
• How do you think we can help patients say yes to treatment?
• What processes would you adjust to help the practice save money?
• How can we provide better customer service to our patients?

Trust me, asking these questions will get your team members thinking like CEOs and their role in growing the practice. Still not convinced this is vital to your practice's success? Here are a few benefits I put together that should change your mind.

4 reasons

1. Your team members will take ownership of their systems

When team members take ownership of their systems, good things happen. They have a better understanding of how these systems work, which means they can correct small problems before they become large problems. And that, of course, saves you time and money.

2. They'll stay more loyal to your practice

If you're like most dentists, the thought of hiring new team members sends you into a cold sweat. When you create a team of CEOs, you won't have to fill open positions nearly as often. Your team members will know you value their efforts, making them happier to come to work each day.

On the other hand, unhappy team members who feel no connection to their job will do nothing but bring the practice down. They'll be distracted most of the day, watching the clock until it's time to go home and start looking for another job.

The bottom line is that you should empower your team members to take control of their systems, and they'll be much happier and also be more focused on doing their part to help the practice succeed.

3. Your team members will be more engaged

And it makes sense. Team members who take ownership of their systems become more excited about their job and the role they play in practice success. They're more productive and more motivated to excel. They look for ways to improve efficiencies, enhance customer service, and help the practice meet its goals. This goes a long way in moving the practice forward, and this is something your patients will notice as well.

4. You can spend more time with your patients

While it's your role to provide team members with guidance, they should be able to perform the duties outlined in their job description. You shouldn't have to worry if tasks are getting done or spend time reminding team members of their responsibilities. Once they start thinking like CEOs, they'll be focused on doing their part to help the practice grow. You'll be confident in their abilities, and that means you can spend more time focusing on what matters most: providing exceptional patient care.

When you create a team of CEOs, you'll soon find your practice is more productive and more efficient. Not only that, team members will become more engaged in their work. They'll know their contribution makes a difference and that you truly value their daily efforts. Not only will team members be happier, they'll find it easier to work together toward one common goal: practice success and profitability.

Sally McKenzie is CEO of McKenzie Management, which offers educational and management products available at www.mckenziemgmt.com. Contact her directly at 877-777-6151 or at [email protected].

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