Drs. John Darling and Doug Milner, of Fibonacci Smile in Wenatchee, WA, along with their employees, recently won the honor of Best Place to Work from the Wenatchee Business Journal 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers who voted for them used the following descriptions about the Fibonacci team:
• We feel like family when we’re there
• Team camaraderie
• Great all-around facility, location, furnishings, décor, and amenities
• Friendly, positive energy
• Staff who complement each other
• We would like to work there! (Not surprisingly, the office has almost 0% turnover.)
• Clients – not patients – are loved unconditionally
• Doctors trust and respect the team and treat them well
• Doctors are accessible and approachable
Clearly, the Fibonacci Smile team is doing something right, but what exactly is that?More importantly, what can other dental teams learn from them?
Following their win, I sat down with the nine-person Fibonacci team to ask them what they thought contributed to this award. After a lively and all-inclusive discussion, we concluded that there was not one thing or behavior that set them apart, but rather a group of behaviors and beliefs that truly stand out when taken as a whole. These include:
• Clear and decisive leadership
• Doctors who encourage personal growth and put their employees in positions that play to their natural strengths
• Doctors who have a clear vision for their practice, and communicate this vision clearly to their staff
• An insurance-independent practice, which best serves the interest of clients
• Regular, monthly, all-day staff meetings
• A focus on their mission statement – “To improve the quality of life of everyone we have the opportunity to touch, and to create healthy smiles that last a lifetime.”
• The ability and empathy to listen well, to deliver what client wants, and to help them discover what might benefit them to a greater degree while still supporting their wishes.
• A belief in continuing education. Both of the doctors are involved in the local and state dental associations, where they volunteer their talents and expertise. Dr. Milner recently gained his AACD accreditation, the culmination of a 10-year investment of time and energy to learn all he can about creating outstanding results with his dentistry.
• A commitment to each team member to help them develop their skill, and empower them so they can do more and share more between themselves and with their clients.
• The intent to improve lives in their practice every day, including their own close circle.
• A focus on the people they are lucky enough to serve as clients, and lucky enough to work with as colleagues and friends.
• Adherence to theirphilosophy – 1. Have fun 2. Crave learning 3. Think of others 4. Be creative
• The practice of The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, which focuses on the belief that individuals in the workplace need to feel appreciated in order to enjoy their job, do their best work, have positive work relationships, and stay with their organization long-term.
Team member Joy Thomas shared this advice for other businesses. “Focus on the employees and the culture within your office. This is not an easy task. Ask if you are creating a nurturing environment in which everyone can grow and create a living legacy. Ask if you are living your truth, and if you are the best versions of yourselves. That is what we do and that is what sets us apart.”
If you would like to discuss how your dental office might become the next to be voted “Best Place to Work” in your community, or if you want to learn more about The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, please contact me at [email protected].
Shari Tastad, RDH, BS, and president of Pathways, is an experienced dental management consulting expert who has helped put hundreds of dental practices on the path to the long-term success. She is also a Certified Health Coach who helps people develop healthy habits.
