A practice is only as strong as the team behind it. This means that every single employee plays an integral part in the practice’s overall success.
As a team leader, you better be able to recognize each employee’s value. If you can’t, then you need to re-evaluate – either the practice needs to be systematically reorganized so that certain positions are not undermined, or you (as the leader!) need to reassess how you view each role and position.
At the end of the day, everyone must be valued. Businesses that are successful with both their patients and their employees are immensely aware of this. They know that if employee morale is good then their practice is in good hands. If you show your employees that the practice’s success is their success, then they will strive to do well (without you having to hound them!).
So how do we improve employee morale and boost growth? With these key tips:
Share Your Story of Failure and Success
Leaders who want to build a connection with their team are willing to share their own failures and successes. It’s a way for your team to relate and understand you. You need to show them that you’ve walked in their path, that you’ve seen similar challenges and that you overcame them.
Your employees want to see that you are human – that you make mistakes – and that you shouldn’t always be seen as an authority figure. Yes, you need to assert control over your practice, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t be a mentor that they are comfortable to turn to for help.
Bob Bechek, CEO of Bain & Company, stresses how he supports this type of “informal authority” in an interview with Poets and Quants. Bechek believes that the best way to lead is to inspire your team in an unauthoritative way. He says, “if you’re involved in trying to get people galvanized around a particular course of action – or to feel inspired about what we’re trying to do or feel appreciated, motivated and valued – that has almost nothing to do with formal authority.”
Value Your Employees
Valuing your employees doesn’t take much effort. Whether it is giving a card or a gift on their birthday, allowing time off on holidays and special occasions, showing and expressing support in a personal journey, or even buying the occasional coffee or treat for them, your employees will remember the small gestures and feel valued by you. In no means should your team take advantage of you, but these gestures should signal that it’s “no big deal.” If the team member has worked hard, then they deserve it
Recognize Potential and Invest in Training
When employees are valued they also recognize a greater sense of capability within themselves. Value means that they are not expendable, that they have worth and that they can offer a lot more to your practice. At the same time, you should be recognizing their potential as well.
Set up quarterly review sessions with each employee and discuss their experience thus far. What do they think their strengths and weaknesses are, what have they been doing well in, and where have they been struggling? Once you’ve collected this information, it provides a great opportunity for growth.
In the areas that the employee is struggling, don’t just offer words of encouragement – ask how you can help them improve. What do they need? Better resources? More training? Certain days off? Discuss what needs to be done to see both personal and professional growth.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook , believes in this type of work environment. He was ranked #4 on Glassdoor’s list of 50 highest-rated CEOs – why? Mainly because his employees love Facebook’s work culture. Many Facebook employees would agree that their workplace immensely encourages and supports individual development – they are always offering new training opportunities and challenges.
Ask for Feedback and Take Action
Another great way to improve employee morale is to listen to your employees and take action. Their critiques, suggestions and general opinion of the work environment are important to the practice’s growth. Where do their concerns lie? What do they think will help improve the practice? What can you do better as their leader? Despite being in the same space, their work experience can differ from yours, and it would be good to get opinions from every facet of the practice.
Make Time for Fun Events or Outings
And of course, there should be times for celebration and fun. Organize a dinner or a fun activity for the whole practice to enjoy. Anything to change up the scenery, and connect with your team in a different environment is a good opportunity to unwind and have fun. These are the types of “perks” that your employees will appreciate and make them feel proud to be working for you.
If you’re ready to take your practice to the next level, build authority, become a celebrity in your town, and build a 7figureclinic and beyond, then you need to get in touch with me. I’m currently taking on a few private clients right now. It’s been almost 12 months since I’ve open up space in my 7figureclinic growth system and it won’t be long until the few spots I have are filled up. Complete the application here to see if you qualify.
