Team Harmony

A Team Harmony lunch and learn is designed to open up communication within the dental team. Although every practice can benefit from this, I make it a priority for offices that have tension or difficulty communicating. The information presented is educational, but also entertaining as staff self analysis leads to laughs and nods of recognition. As the team identifies behavioral styles within their group, they quickly transfer that insight to patients. Discussions usually begin about how behavioral styles affect scheduling and how this information can be used to reduce broken appointments. Often teams discuss how different behavioral types should be educated on treatment plans to improve case acceptance. No matter which direction the discussions go, the ability to make better connections with those around us is invaluable.

After leading over 50 team harmony workshops for US dental offices and teaching team harmony in Europe, I have found this information to be universally beneficial. Most teams truly enjoy this opportunity to improve their understanding of their co-workers, patients, and themselves. The workshop begins with information on the different behavioral styles, and how they affect communication within the team. Then we review how behavioral styles affect communication with patients. Team members can quickly identify which of their patients represent each behavioral style, and learn how to adjust communication accordingly. These seemingly small changes in patient communication can increase case acceptance and decrease appointment cancellations, with the added benefit of a more harmonious team.