“There is only one excuse for lack of progress and that is lack of action.”  Byron Pulsifer

A message from Janis: A dental practice is like a complex machine. In order for it to work smoothly, it’s important for all of its many parts to mesh smoothly. Sometimes, everything works well. At other times, a bit of fine-tuning may be needed to recalibrate the ‘engine.’ And occasionally, despite our best efforts, we turn the key on a given morning and hear a disconcerting klunk under the hood that let’s us know that something needs to be repaired.

Whether you’re tuning up for the Indy 500 or trying to get your office’s motor to stop knocking and pinging, goal-setting can be your best friend and most useful resource.

To establish helpful goals, consider the following guidelines:

• State each goal as a positive statement (not what you don’t want)
• Be clear about the purpose of each goal (If we accomplish this goal, what will it mean to me, my team, the practice, and the people we serve?)
• Chunk each goal into a concrete action plan (What are the steps we can take to accomplish this goal?)
• Set priorities, to determine the goals that will give you the most immediate and significant results (rapid impact strategies)
• Be precise when determining ideal target completion dates and who will participate in each project
• Establish a clear system for monitoring your action plans. Periodically schedule an accountability meeting during which each team member is empowered to share their accomplishments, ask for help where they are stuck, and experience how significant they become by contributing to the overall success of the practice.

What area of your practice could most benefit from the tender attention of a few well-set goals?