Dental practices that fail to hold daily, monthly and annual team meetings are found to have more chaos and be less productive.

Especially in today’s gloomy economic climate, when many dental practices are not as productive as years past, team meetings are more important than ever before. Team morale and everyone focused on the dental practice goals are now more important than ever.

Read on for team meeting tips to reduce stress and drive your dental practice success.

1. Purpose

Every member of the team needs to understand why each meeting is taking place. Understanding the dental practice vision is very important to having an engaged team.

2. Agenda

Distribute a written agenda prior to the meetings so all team members can review and be well prepared.  List out what you will discuss during the meeting. Collaboration is best when the team members feel involved and like they have an important part in the meeting process.

Assign a team member to lead the meeting, one to record notes during the meeting and someone to be in charge of action items created. The team leader should also be aware of the time spent on the agenda and various topics so the meeting flow is steady.

3. Timely

Each meeting should have a leader and that leader needs to hold everyone accountable for beginning and ending in a timely manner. Schedule emergency patients, phone calls and various tasks at a time that will not interfere with the team meeting.

This also sets the stage with a message that the doctor really values meetings and everyone’s time.

4. Respect

Many team meetings turn into rant sessions so be sure that each team member can participate equally without being cut short. No one team member should feel that they are being cut off. And no one team member should be seen as the person doing all the talking.

Great ideas are lost from team members who feel they don’t have an opportunity to talk or give input.

A team means that each individual can be a part of the ideas. Each team member should feel comfortable sharing their knowledge to improve customer service, communication, case acceptance and so much more that makes a successful dental practice.

A big part of dental practice success means that your team meetings keep everyone “in the loop”.

It’s that time of the year where you should be mapping out all of your valuable team meetings for 2014. Do you have your annual plan in place for 2014? What team meetings are scheduled for 2014?

Did you answer No, to any of the above? Let me know in the comments below what team meetings your office schedules each month. I want to hear what you are doing in your office.

Do you find it challenging to hold regular team meetings? Give our office a call so we can keep you on track for more success in your dental practice BEFORE 2014 is here. Do Not Wait ‘til January 1, 2014 to create your plan for improved success. We will set up a no-fee call with you to get your on track now: 888-816-1511 or CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE