In these recent blog articles, I have been considering the values that I believe are important for dental practice success.

Values are an important factor in the development of your dental practice. When implemented successfully, values direct the behaviour of team members, help create the systems and processes of the practice and guide the delivery of services to patients. Clearly stated and firmly held values also play a crucial role in attracting the best people to your evolving team.

The first value I wrote about was professionalism (read here: https://julieparkerpracticesuccess.com/professionalism-what-is-the-value/) and the second was CANI – Constant And Never-ending Improvement (read here: https://julieparkerpracticesuccess.com/when-you-embrace-this-value-for-your-practice-magic-happens/).

For my third value, I contemplated the importance and positive impact of CARING.

Caring is what helps us be patient when others may be learning something new. It is displayed through the generous provision of attention when someone is sharing their thoughts and views. It is when we care for another that we are forgiving when perceived imperfection becomes evident.

Caring for others is treating people with dignity, kindness and compassion. This is crucial when we are trusted to manage the health and well-being of patients. But, it is also critical for a successful team culture.

As a team member of one of my clients stated to their group chat just yesterday, “We work better when we help each other”.

A team that fosters great team culture is one that looks for ways to help, support and cheer each other on. They want to have a positive impact on each other and are happy for one-another’s successes.

Cultivating a culture of caring in your practice can be achieved with positive actions and shifts in behaviour.

• Focus on strengths, not weaknesses.
• Celebrate wins.
• Put people first.
• Show appreciation.
• Be diligent in your hiring process.
• Build personal relationships with your colleagues.
• Publicly acknowledge examples of caring.
• Lead by example.

You can support the initiation of these new attitudes and behaviours by focusing on one element each week. For example, “this week we are going to identify and publicly acknowledge when a team member exhibits a caring attitude to another”. Use your Morning Huddle to remind team members to be mindful of the focus each morning.

Maintaining a culture of caring in your organisation is a commitment. Like many things in life, we must fight for what is important to us. It is worth it, though. A team who cares for each other is capable of wondrous things!

And if you think this value is too wishy-washy, then read about Richmond Tigers Football Club and its recent premiership wins: caring amongst the players for each other is a crucial factor!