Linda Miles

Some people believe that money is the only motivator. While money is important to all workers, at the top of the list of what employees value most is APPRECIATION. Since dentistry is a female dominated work place, both male and female employers need to know that females are born caregivers who love responsibility, recognition, rewards and respect. I call these the 4 R's of motivation. Praise in front of patients and co-workers is like water and sunshine, it makes the human being grow.

Team and doctor incentives are great. Remember that the main reason for incentive bonus plan failures is when the goals are reached, the business owner must be the happiest person on the team or the bonus plan actually de-motivates! Bonus plans must be simple and fair to patients, the practice as a business, the doctors, and staff. Bonuses must also be the same for all employees. Their salary is personal and based on their personal worth to the practice. In order for the team bonus plan to work, all employees that work the same number of hours should be awarded the same bonus amount. Part-timers should be prorated. Individual bonuses create staff competition and jealously, which in my opinion is worse than having no plan. Also remember how important respect is. "You must give respect in order to have it returned". Also remember that "the team will treat your patients EXACTLY the way the doctor(s) and upper management treats them"! And...if you want loyal employees, "TRUST breeds loyalty".

More About Miles Global... 

Cathy Jameson, PhD

It may seem like the ever-elusive question: how do I find the right people and keep them happy and productive? It is possible and, with some thought, focus and careful action, you can refine this until it truly is a mastered skill.

There are several key things that do not work well, so do your best to eliminate these from your practice environment. Challenge: have your team rate your office environment in these areas. You have to identify and embrace the realities of the current situation before you can make progress.

1. Angry outbursts/lack of emotional control
2. Embarrassing a team member in front of patients or co-workers
3. Inadequate compensation
4. Never accepting anything as "good enough"
5. Emotional roller coasters
6. Changing things for no reason without announcement or team involvement

We've also identified things that are effective - so try implementing these in a consistent manner.

1. Incentive Bonus
2. Statements and actions that express appreciation
3. Involvement
4. Trust
5. Respect
6. Admiration
7. Openness about problems as well as work well done
8. Integrity and commitment

Vision, goals and communication are the foundation for teambuilding and practice development. Establish the vision of the practice and design a strategic plan of action for accomplishing those goals, then study communication skills. With this foundation carefully laid, you can begin a successful journey of practice growth and enhancement.

More About Jameson Management...