Do you ever feel like your dental staff is not meeting your expectations? Are you unsure of how to give them feedback? Well, you're in luck! After all, no one likes to be blindsided by criticism, and it's important to make sure that your team knows what they're doing right as well as what they could be doing better.
In this blog post, we will discuss the dos and don'ts of giving feedback to your dental staff. We'll help you create a constructive environment in which they can thrive. Stay tuned for more information!
Be Specific and Objective
When you're critiquing someone's work, it's important to be clear about what you're talking about. This means avoiding generalities and instead focusing on specific instances where things could have been done better. For example, rather than saying "you didn't do a good job cleaning the teeth," try "I noticed that there was some plaque build-up on the patient's teeth after you finished cleaning them."
Avoid Using “You” Statements
When you're giving feedback, it's important to avoid coming across as accusatory or judgmental. One way to do this is to avoid using "you" statements. For instance, rather than saying "you didn't do a good job," try "the patient's teeth weren't as clean as they could have been". This will help the person feel like you're giving them constructive feedback rather than attacking them.
Focus on the Positive
In addition to critiquing someone's work, it's important to focus on the positive as well. This will help them feel appreciated and motivated to continue doing their best. For example, you could say "I noticed that you were very gentle with the patient while you were cleaning their teeth." This is a great way to let your team know that you're noticing their good work and that you appreciate it.
Critique the Work, Not the Person
It's important to remember that when you're critiquing someone's work, you're not critiquing them as a person. This means avoiding personal attacks and instead focusing on the actual work that was done (or not done). For example, rather than saying "you're lazy and incompetent," try "I noticed that several rooms were not cleaned before our morning patients arrived."
Use “I” Statements
When you're giving feedback, it's important to take responsibility for your own perceptions and opinions. One way to do this is to use "I" statements. For instance, rather than saying "you didn't do a good job," try "I didn't feel like the patient's teeth were as clean as they could have been."
Avoid Using Labels
When you're giving feedback, it's important to avoid using labels or making assumptions about someone's abilities or character. For example, rather than saying "you're lazy," try "I noticed that several rooms were not cleaned before our morning patients arrived."
Make Sure All Feedback Is Given in a Timely Manner
It's important to make sure that all feedback is given in a timely manner. This means avoiding giving criticism long after the fact. For example, if you notice that someone didn't do a good job cleaning their teeth, it's best to tell them right away rather than waiting until your next staff meeting. And if you bring up something that happened weeks or months ago, it can make the staff feel like you are building up resentment towards them.
Be Respectful and Constructive When Giving Feedback
Finally, it's important to be respectful and constructive when giving feedback. This means avoiding any sort of personal attack or criticism. For example, rather than saying "you're lazy and incompetent," try "I noticed that several rooms were not cleaned before our morning patients arrived."
Final Thoughts
Giving feedback to your dental staff is an important part of being a good leader. This is a sensitive topic, so it's important to know how to go about giving feedback, especially when it's negative.
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