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| "Don't Be A Zombie Dentist!" |
It’s easy to let your mind wander, especially if you’re stressed, tired, or busy. We understand that it takes a lot of time and energy to succeed at dental office management in Michigan. But you owe it to your patient, co-worker, friend, child, partner, and YOURSELF to be present.
Zen masters state that “Being present is being free. When you live in the past or future, you miss out on the peace in the present.”
When you aren’t being present, you rob yourself and others from a true connection. At the workplace, if you don’t foster a connection with your patients, you could miss something very important. It could be a comment they make about their life, their care plan, their finances, etc. Or, they just may not return if you aren’t engaging enough. No one wants their dentist to be a zombie … just going through the motions! Remember that people feel truly cared for when someone listens to them. Don’t you feel extra special when someone remembers your name or a fact about you?
What will you gain from being more present? You’ll feel calmer because you’re able to focus on one task or person. You’ll work more efficiently instead of over multi-tasking. You’ll also gain a genuine connection with your patients and co-workers, which will make your workplace more positive.
Our consulting and practice coaching have helped hundreds of clients with dental office management in Michigan and Ohio. The following tips are simple yet easy to overlook.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate rest, exercise, and nutrition to help you stay focused.
Remove extra distractions. Try not to carry a cell phone on your person. Even when your phone is on vibrate, it can cause a commotion when it buzzes.
If you find music relaxes your patients, try to play only instrumental music to make conversation easier.
Review your patient’s file in a quiet location where you’re less likely to be interrupted.**
If your morning has been challenging, try to take a quick walk during a break to get re-energized.
Brendon Burchard, a self-help guru, states that at the end of our life we typically ask three questions.
“Did I live?”
“Did I love?”
“Did I matter?”
Burchard reminds us that to live with purpose and passion. He says, “Having a plan for your life, knowing what you want to achieve, having a purposeful meaning to get up every day, all these things are “being present” in your life.”
In the field of dentistry, you certainly matter to your patients. You have the knowledge and skills to not only make their smiles more beautiful, but to take their pain away and improve their health. Make a difference today and be present with your patients. We’re here to help you with your dental office management in Michigan. Contact us today at 888-421-1808 to schedule a practice analysis or to arrange a practice coaching session
We'd also enjoy reading your thoughts below. Please feel free to share the ways you stay present at work.
**If you don’t do so already keep a small note section in your patient’s file. If they mention their job, vacation, hobby etc., make note of any pertinent facts. The next time they schedule an appointment refresh your memory with these notes and use it as an ice breaker for the current visit. This tip doesn’t necessarily help you stay present, but it can make your patient feel that you listen well.
