There are few things more nerve-wracking in running the business side of a dental practice than hiring and firing. When we sign on as dentists, rarely do we ever think at the outset about the far-off challenge of creating and maintaining a high-functioning team.
Effectively Hiring for Talent
We will inevitably have to bring in new people and part ways with many others during the course of our career. This reality can be tough to face, whether it’s the first time or the 10th. After training and cultivating a relationship with someone, letting them go is emotionally draining. Similarly, adding a unique personality into the mix of your team can upset the equilibrium or cause unforeseen problems.
It’s not all bad though. Working with people and learning to do it well can be one of the most rewarding parts of your career. As a dentist, you are not only a healthcare provider, but a leader of a team. That’s a powerful role in and of itself.
There are many things you can do to smooth out team transitions and bounce back even stronger. One of the most obvious is this: Ask for help! You don’t have to deal with the hiring (or firing) process alone. Reach out to colleagues and friends for advice. Take a team training course. Really make an effort to be honest with your current team members and allow them to help you through.
When you aren’t stressed or overwhelmed, recognizing talent is so much easier. And don’t rely completely on your own intuition. Use personality assessments or input from a professional team expert to know who will fit best into the dynamic you already have. Don’t worry so much about whether the potential hire has every skill under the sun. Worry more about whether you and your people will enjoy working with them.
How do you hire effectively for talented team members? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!