Things You'll Need:
- Sense of Urgency
- Reason to Change
- A plan for Change
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Step 1
How many of us attend a lecture, weekend seminar or read an article and immediately want to make a “change” in our business (or dental practice in my case)? In the beginning, we are determined that this new change will better our business and benefit our patients. But, after several weeks, we discover ourselves and the people around us reverting back to the “same-old-routine.” Change is difficult.
Why didn’t this new change work? Why do we feel like our employees aren’t with us? Unfortunately, we will never be 100% successful at implementing change, but we can improve our success rate by understanding these three common problems associated with making changes. -
Step 2
Error #1: Not Establishing a Sense of Urgency. According to Dr. John Kotter, a professor of leadership at Harvard Business School, over 50% of companies fail in this area.
Change starts with generating a sense of urgency, a reason or need to change. If your team members or employees do not fully understand the reason for the change, how can they effectively make the change? A sense of urgency is essential to rallying the team.
Take the necessary time to explain to the reason or need for change, and remind your team daily how this change will benefit the patients and practice. -
Step 3
Error #2: Not Explaining Why It’s Important To the Staff. Business owners must be aware of “WIIFM” attitude — What’s In It For Me.
People are more likely to change if there is something in it for them. Explain to your staff why the new change will have a positive effect on their careers, both personally as well as professionally.
Remind them that change usually means becoming more efficient, and that efficiency will reduce stress in the office and make their job easier. Better efficiency results in higher salaries. You must communicate the benefits of this new change—how it will benefit your staff, patients and practice as a whole. -
Step 4
Error #3: Not Developing a Plan That Includes Your Team. Your team will require a detailed “game plan” on what to do, and how to do it. Communicate your desires with your team and develop a plan for the new way of doing things.
It is important to have their participation in this process, and it is critical to the success of the program. By involving your staff and implementing a plan together, you can avoid some of the normal, negative psychological reactions to change. Explain their role and the importance of making the change a reality.
Change is not easy, but having an understanding of these three common mistakes can improve your chance at incorporating change into your business and your life.
