Core Values is a trending topic of conversation. Did you know that? Do you care? If not, you should. I’m not going to make a glorious speech (or in Blog terms - an essay) or try to sell you on the concept, but maybe I’ll trigger something that resonates with you.
Let me preface this blog by saying, I am not a consultant trying to sell you on the importance of why you need a mission/vision statement and core values. I am a clinical trainer who has worked with enough practices to tell you that without a foundation, your practice will crumble.
When someone from a dental office Design firm talks about a “foundation”, you might think they’re talking about concrete blocks or a fleet of cement trucks on the move - but I’m not representing a dental office design firm in this context, I’m talking about the strong foundation from and on which you build the “Why” in your dental practice. For you, the dentist and your potential team, it’s the basis from which growth occurs. Listen, this is not a new phenomena. Lord, every Fortune 500 company, many mom and pop shops and yes, even dental practices understand a core foundation (the heart) of your practice starts here.
If you don’t think Core Values are important to you, you can move on. For those who do, I’m going to share with you my Top 5 Core Values.
This past weekend, I was honored to represent Design Ergonomics at the Practice On Fire Event in Miami, Florida. Dr. Michael Ling puts together a great event. We are a proud sponsor. Nevermind….it was held at TopGolf. He puts together an outstanding schedule of speakers. If you haven’t heard of it or want to know more about it, please let me know.
Dr. Gina Dorfman, Pediatric Dentist and Founder of Yapi, said something profound at this meeting…."Core Values are verbs!”
I loved this and here’s why; if I wrote a Core Value of “Honesty”, what would you think? Yes, Honesty is a value everyone should have but what if I said “do the right thing” as a core value rather than Honesty? Would you have more clarity in your expectations? Of course, because it’s actionable!
My Top 5 Dental Practice Core Values to get you started…..
- Do the right thing! - As John Quinones would say...
- Be a team player - Are you the first to leave or have a mindset of “that’s not my job”?
- Step Up To The Plate - have an idea, a solution to better the practice. When faced with a challenge, do you wait for others to come up with a solution and complain about it when it’s implemented? Or do you share an idea that may improve the patient experience?
- Build Relationships: your patients and your team. Always put your team and you patients first.
- Be A Servant or Charitable. I don’t mean put on an apron and bow to everyone you meet - I mean serve the people who serve us and help you earn a living…. Give something of yourself.
Core Values bring a sort of blueprint of your dental practice. Imagine if your contractor had to build without a blueprint...he/she would fail. Same goes for the practice when you build a team. They need a blueprint. Your Mission/Vision and Core Values provide a system of leadership, encouragement and growth. Don’t try to build without a blueprint.
And then be proud of them! Embrace them, live them, love them! Your Core Values should be shouted from the rooftops of your practice. Make them unforgettable! Make them your reason. Display them! Let your team know why you do what you do! Anything less than “all on board” is not a good fit for your practice. My $.02 anyway!
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