If you have been to my lecture in the past 10 years, you more than likely have heard me quote a sign that hung in my corporate office, stating simply, “Be happy or be gone.” Participants in my seminars laugh when I mention the message, but they get the picture loud and clear: Happy employees are productive. And if an employee becomes disenchanted for whatever reason, they not only become much less productive, they also negatively impact the office morale. Unfortunately, out of fear, loyalty to the practice and patients, or other motivations, some of these people choose to stay.

In the dental practice, this person can be a very valued employee who simply does not feel appreciated, or perhaps other team members resent this person for going the extra mile when they have chosen to do just enough to get by. The office environment may not be conducive to job satisfaction with ideas being shot down or frowned upon by a micro-managing boss. Perhaps, the practice is very fast-paced and the employee prefers a more relaxed work place. There can be dozens of reasons for burnout.

FACING FACTS

Professional burnout is a serious and more common problem in dentistry than we would like to admit. Management consultants deal with it frequently. We are hired to fix weak verbal/communication skills, faulty management systems, insurance, scheduling, overhead control and hygiene department numbers. What we must do before the systems can be improved, however, is work on office morale and leadership problems. If those obstacles are not overcome first, then no amount of scripting, standard operating procedural manuals, or system efficiency changes will last.

I recently had the privilege of corresponding with a dental team member who shared with me her thoughts about this very subject. Together, we decided it would be a good idea to collaborate on this article, using her story as the basis for our message. Feeling like an unappreciated employee, working with a dentist who assumes no responsibility for addressing small issues between team members before they mushroom can become debilitating, to say the least. Professional burnout can sneak up on the most valuable and longest-hired team member, as well as become a problem for those who have less tenure on the job.

CLOSE TO HOME

The story you’re about to read comes from the aforementioned team member. She prefers to remain anonymous, but is very open in describing how it felt to resign a position she had held for nearly 10 years.

Being in dentistry for about 25 years, I have had, for the most part, pleasant work experiences. I have had the privilege of working in small and large quality offices, and I have learned a lot about the ups and downs of working with many different personalities. Being happy at work is ultimately determined by the quality of relationships that one develops with patients, staff, and colleagues. Getting along with co-workers as well as employers can be a challenge. Sometimes, due to lack of communication skills, misunderstandings, or unresolved conflicts, the only answer is to find another position that better suits your needs.

Having recently left an office for these reasons and more, I am now keenly aware of how important it is to recognize when it is time to go. Fear of change can make you sit in your rut too long, and the damaging effects can take their toll. The constant negativity causes stress that impacts your health, well-being and confidence.

I was in a job situation where I had some great benefits. I think my employer would have praised my clinical skills, and said that I got along well with my patients, was loyal, dependable, trustworthy, and a high producer. Unfortunately, the frequent small conflicts between staff members were taking their toll on me. I started to feel unappreciated and lacked support from my employer in trying to work things out. I was not looking forward to work anymore and I needed a change. Leaving, though it was painful, was the right decision. As difficult as it was, my office was gracious enough to give me a “good-bye” luncheon with a card and gift. It was very important for me to leave on a positive note and I feel I succeeded. When I finally left that environment, I felt like the weight of the world fell off my shoulders. My only regret is that I wish I had done it sooner.

I now have a new job in a smaller office. I don’t have all the benefits that I once had, but the doctor and staff have been wonderful to work with. Feeling respected and appreciated is worth its weight in gold. I also have learned that I need to make an effort to show my appreciation to them as well. I know conflicts in the workplace are unavoidable, but when they can be addressed early, the damage is minimized. Unresolved conflicts sap both energy and enjoyment from relationships.

If you find that you are not happy, and there seems to be no solution to improve the situation, then it is time to think about moving on to something that you will enjoy doing, even though there may be some sacrifices to make. Staying positive and believing in yourself will get you through this, and it will be worth it in the end.

If you see yourself, your dentists or fellow team members in this article, it is time for an evaluation of what is and is not working for you personally and professionally. And remember, “When one door closes, two more usually open.”

Linda L. Miles, CSP, CMC, is an internationally recognized consultant and speaker on dental practice and staff development. She welcomes comments at lindamiles@cox.net.

 Your co-workers keep their distance. If you find your patience dwindling with team members you used to enjoy working with, there might be more behind that than just personality conflicts.

Your days get shorter, but feel longer. Remember when you used to be excited about getting to work? Now, coming in is a drag and you spend your time at work counting the minutes until it’s time to leave.

You can’t get no satisfaction. Or motivation. You’re not feeling challenged and therefore, the usual accomplishments just don’t get you excited anymore.

 =Your job makes you sick—literally. If you’re tired all the time, tense, sleeping poorly and suffering from frequent headaches, your body might be trying to tell you something. These symptoms are the physical manifestation of stress.