For You, By You In an effort to constantly improve, we recently sent our team away with a homework assignment.  The assignment was to write down five things that would help everyone do their job better.  I was then given the task of compiling and sorting the results.

Amazingly, every team member’s list said basically the same thing.  After I had compiled the suggestions, I stepped back and looked at the big picture.  The concepts listed by our team are universal. Not only do they apply to the practice of fixing teeth, but to life in general.  The following ideas could be applied to any group situation, from soccer teams to fair boards to politics.  Some good ideas apply to us all.

To that end, here’s what they came up with.  I feel like a proud parent…

Treat others (patients and team) as you would like to be treated.  The Universe gives back what you put out.  Respect everyone.

We work to live.  Have fun and be positive.  Laugh.  Smile.

If you need help, ask and ask nicely.  We all need help sometimes.  Offer help when you see someone struggling.  Work together for the common good.  Tomorrow may not be your best day.

Everyone’s job is important.  Never assume that what you need is any more or less important than what everyone else is trying to accomplish.  T‐E‐A‐M.  Offer help before it is asked of you.

When given criticism, grow.  When giving criticism, be kind and nurturing.

Communicate.  Do not assume someone else will do it.  No job is too big or too small.  Try to be aware of what others are doing and reach out if they seem to be struggling.

Get a little better each day.  Be open to new ideas and CHANGE.  It’s how we grow.  Be ready to change directions, even on the fly.  Be flexible.

Patience makes everyone’s day better, with team and with patients.

Pretty good advice…thanks team.

‐Please send questions and comments to Drs. Parrish at www.ParrishDental.com.