How do you know it’s time to bring a coach into your practice? And what exactly can a coach do to help? These are questions many dentists ask themselves long before they take action. But if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re already feeling the need for change.
Here are some clear signs it might be time to bring in a coach:
- You and your team feel constantly overwhelmed or disorganized
- Important details keep slipping through the cracks, and you’re not sure how to fix it
- You lie awake at night thinking about everything that’s going wrong at the office
- It’s difficult to clearly explain your expectations to your team
- You’re missing time with your family because you’re stuck doing non-clinical work
- It feels like you’re the only one solving problems in the practice
- Your team isn’t aligned or communicating effectively
- New systems or protocols never seem to stick
- Team meetings feel like déjà vu—you’re rehashing the same issues again and again
- Your team seems disengaged and rarely offers solutions
- Deep down, you know the confusion is costing your practice time, energy, and money
How a Coach Can Help
Bringing a coach into your practice isn’t just about fixing what’s broken, it’s about creating a more efficient, sustainable, and satisfying way to work. Here’s how a coach can support you and your team:
- Align your office with key industry metrics, helping to improve financial performance
- Streamline workflows so each team member’s day runs more smoothly
- Re-engage your team and foster a culture of accountability and solution-based thinking
- Provide tailored strategies based on your unique practice and patient base
- Offer insights based on broad industry experience that goes beyond your own four walls
Finding the Right Fit
Just like dental practices, coaching isn’t one-size-fits-all. When considering a coach, talk with trusted colleagues and team members, they may have recommendations based on positive experiences. Your accountant or financial advisor might also be able to point you in the right direction.
Reach out to a few coaches, schedule some conversations, and trust your instincts. The right coach should not only bring expertise but also be a personality fit for you and your team. They should listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and genuinely care about understanding your practice, without expecting you to have all the answers upfront.
Getting past that initial hesitation to make the call is often the hardest part, but it’s also the first step toward real relief.
About Cost and ROI
Naturally, you’ll have questions about cost and return on investment. A reputable coach will be transparent about their fees and any additional expenses involved. While no one can guarantee a specific ROI, a strong coach should help you define clear goals and create a roadmap to achieve them, so progress can be measured along the way.
If you’re ready to explore a customized solution for your practice, I’d be happy to speak with you. I can also provide referrals from clients who’ve experienced the difference coaching can make.
