Any time you have a group of people working long hours together in an office, you can expect negativity to develop. A dental office is no exception. Diffusing negativity is a necessity if you want to maintain a healthy work environment. So what steps can you take to combat this type of drag on your practice? Prosperity Dental Solutions offers 5 ways to diffuse negativity in your dental office.
1. Diagnose the Problem.
As a dentist, you often have to diagnose a patient’s problem. The same rule applies when it comes to combatting office negativity. It’s important to talk to your staff and try to “get to the root” of a problem. Identify who is unhappy and why? Often negativity is a symptom of lost confidence or control. Your employees may simply feel like their concerns are not being addressed. Once you are aware of the problem, you must deal with it in some way.
2. Provide Ways for Employees to Make Decisions About Their Jobs.
Negativity often arises when you make decisions without getting any input from your staff. Whenever possible, provide opportunities for employees to express their opinions about workplace policies and procedures. Perhaps some policies can be changed, but if not, find a way to explain them so that everyone understands why things must be done a certain way.
3. Deal with Debbie Downers.
You know Debbie Downer. Chances are you have one working in your office. Ms. Downer complains about everything, and she (or he) is not shy about expressing her negative opinions. She never has anything good to say about anyone or anything, from patients and co-workers to the workload. These constant complaints end up having a negative impact on everyone, affecting the morale of the entire office. It is your job to deal with the Debbie Downers (or Wade Whiners) in your office. Sit down and discuss the problem, making sure to include positive solutions and ways to fix the problems. If you’ve made attempts to solve an issue – or problems persist no matter how many “fixes” are offered – then it might be time to sit down and have a formal review. Discuss how the employee’s attitude is affecting the office and define, in writing, how his or her behavior needs to change. It is imperative that you document everything that was said in every meeting. If you decide you have no choice but to let the employee go, you will want to have “evidence” of why he or she is being terminated.
4. Recognize and Reward Your Staff.
Your employees work hard for you every day and they need to feel valued and appreciated. Giving out recognitions and rewards for those who have gone above and beyond can work wonders in boosting morale and lends itself to healthy competition.
5. Treat Your Staff with Respect and Trust.
When your employees don’t feel respected, they can quickly become dissatisfied and even bitter. Treat everyone with respect and the feeling will be returned. Give all employees the trust they deserve. Basically, treat everyone like competent adults and you will reduce negativity in the office.
Use these 5 tips to help create a more positive and enthusiastic workforce, which in turn will lead to better patient care. Are you ready to see your dental practice flourish? Prosperity Dental Solutions is here to help your practice grow. Contact us today to set up a coaching appointment with Jennifer Pearce by calling (817) 975-4576.
