Enriching the Lives of Dental Leaders

Enriching the Lives of Dental Leaders

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The Case of the Introverted Dental Team

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Dear Sharyn

My employees are all introverts and don’t want to hurt each other’s feelings. This means that I’m the only one who talks at our meetings. They don’t bring up issues when they’re in a group and they won’t disagree with anything. After the meetings they tell me individually what they really think. How do I get them to speak up at the meetings?

B.K. California

Dear B.K.,

I know you want to tear your hair out when your group acts like they are in Church instead of at a meeting.  If it’s any consolation, in every organization there is the official meeting where people go through the motions, and then there is the unofficial meeting-after-the meeting where people share what they really think. Unfortunately, this side meeting happens in places like the staff room or parking lot or at home or via text where your introverts feel more comfortable. Scolding introverts won’t work, but you can encourage them by changing how you structure your meetings to make them more experiential. Stop asking, “Hey anyone got any ideas?” type questions and instead ask folks to do assignments. Give out notepads and ask them to write down two or three responses. Then pass the ideas along to the person on their right, who will add their thoughts about the ideas. Or you can break the group into pairs who have to respond to a question. Or you can have people fishbone or draw their ideas/thoughts/opinions. Create games and give small rewards for participation.

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Enriching the Lives of Dental Leaders

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Inspired Us to Dream Bigger, and it Works

“As an Office Manager, I’ve seen a great difference in my practice since starting with Sharyn. Three years ago our staff was in turmoil with a lot of infighting and gossip and some jealousy directed towards me.

I had given up because everything I did was judged. Now I have learned to have more one-to-one communication and by being more vulnerable with individuals I found my leadership voice. As a team, we’re all focused on the same goals.

Last year, in August we produced $88,000. This year we’re on track to produce $111,000 this month. I know it’s because we learned how to follow through with patients and communicate our expectations while building our systems.

Sharyn has gotten us out of our comfort zone and inspired us to dream bigger and it works.”

–Sharon St Pierre, Sperbeck Dental Care

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