When strangers ask me \u2018what I do,\u2019 of course we find our way into the world of dentistry and I proudly emphasize not the \u2018what\u2019 but the \u2018who\u2019 because to me that is the exciting part. It\u2019s who that makes the what special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You say the same thing, don\u2019t you? It\u2019s not so much the dentistry, but the people. It\u2019s your patients that give you meaning, purpose, significance, and make it all worthwhile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s interesting is that doctors ask me the very same question. Usually, it\u2019s the first night I\u2019m meeting them for our pre-Blueprint dinner where the doctor and their significant other shows up to Nashville. We sit down and just get to know each other. Like you sitting down with your patient for the very first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then I get the question\u2026 it\u2019s not a bad question, but it comes with more than just curiosity. It\u2019s more questioning my sensibilities about how on earth I picked dentistry or some go as far as to why I decided to work with dentists. I just have to chuckle because for me it is what was meant to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We just mesh. In principle, which is what matters. And I\u2019ve written here before about my three strategic choices and business decisions for why I\u2019m here\u2026 and really why you are here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s not the point for today. The point is the part that is unique, the part that is interesting, the part that is the source of momentum is not the what or the how\u2026 it\u2019s the who and the why. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is why last week\u2019s Weekly Report theme was so important, which we don\u2019t focus on enough. It\u2019s the appreciation of the people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, both in strategy and in culture. In the way of doing business and the way of leading your team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, I\u2019m about to tell you a little secret to all of this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s the interesting part\u2026 you often leave out the one person who matters most in the whole deal \u2013 in terms of appreciation and gratitude, value and self-worth \u2013 you, the doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, the pride you have about who you are the better you will be at what you do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I can link the success of a doctor, team, and practice directly with their pride in who they are, what their practice stands for, and how they deliver their value to patients. Ultimately, this will determine how easy or difficult it is to influence others to champion your mission and follow your lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you think about any business you\u2019ve gone to lately, I hoped you noticed something \u2013 whether a retail store or restaurant, a grocery or when traveling, or even online \u2013 human engagement is coming back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is a return of the expectation to be guided, to have a live human to talk with, to be treated like a person. The bigger the company the more they try to remove it but the better the business the more they are going out of their way to elevate it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should too. In fact, you should be asking yourself\u2026 if we really appreciate our patients what can we do to show them that more? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our industry has been overrun with the idea that if you see more patients, expand your space, increase your team, and extend your hours you will automatically make more money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, the opposite is true. It\u2019s the difference between process or people. Seeing patients or growing relationships. Turning over visits or accomplishing something of meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a question of what drives you. The who or the what? The why or the how?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s something fun to do, especially this time of year, write a letter to your team and one to your patients and just share with them how you feel. Express your gratitude and thank them for making your mission possible. For giving what you do purpose and meaning. For being the most valuable part of your practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And use this to remind them of your why. Why you became a dentist, why you have created this place, why you create their pathways to health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During this process, you\u2019ll also be reminding yourself of your own value and the significance you play in their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trust me, when you see their responses, it will ignite a fire, turn up the flame, and continue to fuel your forward. After all, a practice is powered by the who and the why, not the what and the how.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I don\u2019t care who you are, you can only get so excited and stay so motivated by the \u2018what\u2019 for so long. It will ebb and flow, come and go, through challenges and victories. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, when you remember your why and you re-spark your passion for the who\u2026 you\u2019ll never have a day without purpose and meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which leads to our topic for next week that is all about how to live out your gratitude by showing yourself just how thankful and appreciative you are for being you and living a life of your own design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve done more than just read but really thought about this Weekly Report then you should have all the motivation you could ever need to continue your mission, fulfill your purpose, and live your why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When someone asks you \u2018why dentistry,\u2019 stand tall and share your passion for patients, your gratitude for your team, and your pride for who you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you head into the week of Thanksgiving and you reflect on what you\u2019re grateful for, be reminded of all those you\u2019ve helped and all that you\u2019ve become.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If there were ever a day that represents what I\u2019m talking about here, it\u2019s this one, because it is and always will be less about the what and the how, and much more about the who and why. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Happy Thanksgiving<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"