Everyone on your dental team has at some point thought about getting fired. Why does this thought run through our heads? It is unmatched expectations within the practice? How can you NOT get Fired?

Let’s start by saying that AMP is not a firing squad.  In fact we’d like nothing more than to empower each and every one of you to perform at a higher level than you ever have before.  To do this we must start with a question “Who the heck are you and why should I care?” Answering this question is of utmost importance for the leaders of our teams because unclear or even unverbalized expectations can be the source of many doctor and team member issues.  Without a clear understanding of why you’re asking your team to do what you’re asking them to do, there will be continual problems with performance.   

“All of us perform better and more willingly when we know why we’re doing what we’ve been asked to do.” - Zig Ziglar

Verbalizing your “why” to your staff is a must if you want them to be on board with your mission.  At the very least, you’ve given them the choice to decide if they want to be on board now that they know and understand why you do what you do.  Sometimes we find that there may not be a match between the leader and every team member and that’s ok.  Better to find out now, set that team member free, and see how that decision affects the both of you for the better.  

Now that the expectations have been made clear to the entire team, make sure as their leader you have provided the tools they need to get started.  We want to give them the best opportunity possible to step up and start performing at a higher level.  Team members should ask the doctor what they can do to show them that they are great at their job. Maybe that’s going over the AR report monthly to show how collections are up, or totaling the supply orders for the last few months to show how consistently the budget is being adhered to, whatever the case, find a way to measure and show your excellent work and your devotion to the higher performance standard you have set for yourself.   If we continue on this forward path there is no reason that anyone would have to be let go.  Let’s hope that will be the case with your practice.  

Remember “If it’s important to you, you will find a way, if not, you’ll find an excuse.”