Building a Championship Team: Lessons from the Gridiron to the Dental Office

By Kevin Johnson, Leverage Consulting

In the world of sports, particularly when we talk about the journey to the Super Bowl, the emphasis is always on assembling a team that possesses not just the skill but the right mindset and attitude to clinch the championship. This philosophy of team building isn’t confined to the football field; it’s equally applicable and critical in the business arena, including sectors as specialized as dental practices.

The quest for the Super Bowl and the journey to achieve your company goals share a foundational principle: you need players who are not just there for the paycheck but are genuinely invested in achieving greatness. 

In the context of a dental practice, this translates to selecting team members who are self-motivated, coachable, team-oriented, goal-driven, and resilient. These traits are the bedrock of a team capable of winning games or surpassing business objectives. Let’s delve deeper into why these qualities matter and how they translate into success in a dental practice.

Self-motivated

Self-motivation is the inner drive to achieve and improve without constant external encouragement. In a dental practice, a self-motivated dental hygienist or receptionist takes the initiative to learn new procedures, improve patient care, and contribute to a positive office environment. This proactive attitude ensures the practice can evolve and adapt, keeping patients satisfied and loyal.

Willing to be Coached

The willingness to be coached reflects an openness to feedback and a desire to grow professionally. In the fast-evolving dental field, techniques and technologies are constantly changing. A team member who is open to coaching can learn new dental technologies, adapt to new protocols, and ultimately deliver better patient care. This adaptability is crucial for a practice aiming to stay at the forefront of dental health services.

Team Player

A successful dental practice is the result of seamless collaboration among dentists, hygienists, assistants, and administrative staff. Team players understand their role in the larger context of patient care and are willing to go above and beyond to support their colleagues. This might mean staying late to assist with an emergency procedure or covering for a colleague. The synergy of a well-coordinated team translates into efficient operations and enhanced patient experiences.

Individual Objectives

Having personal goals aligned with the practice’s mission drives excellence. For example, a dental assistant with aspirations to enhance their patient care skills contributes directly to the practice’s objective of providing outstanding service. These individual objectives fuel continuous improvement and innovation within the practice.

Resilient

Resilience, the ability to bounce back from setbacks, is vital in the high-pressure environment of a dental practice. Whether it’s dealing with a difficult patient, a complex case, or an unexpected emergency, resilient team members maintain their composure and focus on solutions, ensuring the practice can navigate challenges smoothly.

In the competitive landscape of dental services, these traits are non-negotiable for a practice aiming for excellence. Yet, most job descriptions and advertisements rarely emphasize these qualities. They tend to list qualifications and responsibilities without highlighting the soft skills and attitudes that truly differentiate a championship team member from an average player.

At Leverage Consulting, we believe that to build a team capable of achieving extraordinary results, whether in sports or in business, you must look beyond the resume. Seek out those who demonstrate these critical traits through their actions and past experiences. In doing so, you’ll not only elevate the standard of your dental practice but also create an environment where excellence is the norm, not the exception.

Key Takeaways 

The parallels between assembling a Super Bowl-winning football team and building a successful dental practice team are striking. It's not just about having skilled individuals; it's about having the right combination of skills, attitude, and drive. By prioritizing self-motivation, coachability, teamwork, personal objectives, and resilience, you set your practice on a path to achieving its Super Bowl – unparalleled excellence in patient care.