When you are at the chair with your patient are you really with your patient, or is your mind often on other aspects of your business? When you are trying to be the dentist and oversee every aspect of your business it’s not uncommon for your mind to wander while trying to appear focused on the patient in front of you. “How much money came in the mail? Is my next patient here? Will we meet our production goal for today? Do I have any emergencies coming in? Are we out of impression material since this drawer is empty?” With questions like these swimming around in your head it’s easy to give a glassy stare and perfunctory head-nod and not even hear what your patient is trying to tell you. Artful delegation can make your life so much easier, less stressful, and more profitable. It also builds teamwork, increases efficiency, develops careers, raises morale, and boosts productivity.

Delegating can sound easier than it is to actually do. Here are some simple strategies to get you started:

1. Delegate responsibility, not work. Too many dentists confuse delegating responsibility with dumping work on someone. Employees know the difference. Don’t assign a project and insist that the employee do it your way – with no room for personal initiative.
   
2. Choose a deadline for delegated projects. Be specific in your goals for the project and together choose a realistic deadline.
   
3. Let employees take turns running your staff meetings. This does three things: First, it shows them that you respect and trust their abilities; second, it builds their confidence and leadership skills; and finally, it gives you a chance to see how someone handles the rest of the team – in case you would ever consider promoting that person to a managerial position.
   
4. When delegating, don’t ask the person, “Do you understand?” Many employees will answer, “yes” regardless – for fear of looking stupid. Instead, ask questions such as, “Any ideas off the top of your head as to how you’ll proceed?” You’ll get a better sense of whether you were clear in your directions.
   
5. Keep a delegation log. Once you realize how effective and uplifting proper delegation can be, you’ll want to do it more often. Be organized and keep a written record of which projects you’ve delegated to which employee.
   
6. Establish routine checkups. At the beginning of the delegation process, establish meetings in advance when you and the employee can sit down and make sure everything is on track. Important: Don’t check up every day! You want employees to feel as if you trust them to get the job done on their own.

Published by BECDEN Dental Laboratory 131 E. 13065 S. Draper, UT 84020 888-344-9991 toll-free 801-576-9991 phone

The editor of this newsletter is Emily Webb of Becden Dental Laboratory, Inc. Please send any questions or comments about this newsletter, or suggestions for articles to: emilyw@becdendental.com ©2007 BECDEN Dental Laboratory, Inc.