Finding the right staff
Hiring the right staff seems to be a universal problem and, yet, we all know of certain offices that just seem to attract the best people and never experience the “revolving door” phenomenon that characterizes excessive staff turnover.
Some dentists have resorted to administering assessments to prospective hires. Others have adopted a lengthy multi-interview process in order to weed out the less desirable applicants. There’s nothing wrong with either of these approaches, but at the end of the day, they only serve as validation for a fundamental principle that ultimately guarantees a stable and committed staff.
It is important to realize that in a mature practice, we do not find staff; they find us. I strongly believe that people choose to join a team that has similar values and purpose to their own. What keeps them in our dental practices and attracts other exceptional people is an organizational culture that is committed to living these same values and purpose.
It sends a non-verbal message that essentially states:
“This is who we are and what we believe. Love us or leave us!”
What is important about this strong message is that a potential employee does not have to second guess their decision about joining the team. The price of admission has been clearly stated and received. The dental practice benefits because there is less opportunity for hiring the wrong person.
In the unlikely event that a poor choice were to be made, a staff that is totally committed to a commonly shared ideology will not tolerate anyone that will potentially harm the culture that they have worked hard to created. An outlier will not remain long in this environment.
Creating a practice that serves as a magnet for top quality staff requires a leader who not only embraces a strong sense of value and purpose, but authentically reflects these ideals so others can clearly see them.
Living your values is the most influential tool available to you to help you attract and keep the right staff.
If you are looking to have more success with your dental practice, including your hiring and staff issues, feel free to contact me for a complimentary 30 min session and learn how a Coach can help you transform your life!