The Benefits of Setting Performance Goals in Your Practice

As a people-pleasing dental hygienist, the idea of measuring my performance by my practice was initially met with resistance. The thought of being evaluated based on sales or the number of patients I saw, or even worse, facing criticism, was not appealing. However, as I have matured and deepened my understanding of the business side of dentistry, I have come to realize the value of having a performance measurement system in place. Contrary to my initial concerns, it has actually brought me a sense of fulfillment and increased my chances of achieving my goals. Now, I recommend practices set performance goals for their team members to reap the following benefits.

Set Role and Expectations

When implemented correctly, a well-defined system clarifying each team member’s role in the practice and their expected responsibilities can significantly reduce confusion and provide the opportunity to thrive. This clarity allows the team to focus on the shared objectives, eliminating any room for misunderstandings or disputes. By keeping the “I” out of team and emphasizing unity, the practice can thrive as a harmonious collective.

Ownership and Clarity

By receiving regular feedback on their performance, team members gain a stronger sense of ownership over their roles and understand how their contributions directly impact the practice’s success. They no longer need to question whether their work is up to par. Regular evaluations provide them with a clear understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement. This way, feedback is not only limited to negative criticism but also celebrates achievements and recognizes growth.

Growth and Satisfaction

Moreover, having clear goals to strive for fosters personal and professional growth, leading to increased job satisfaction. Setting targets encourages individuals to push themselves to reach new heights continuously. When accomplishments become a regular part of the team’s experience, they are motivated to raise the bar constantly. Pride in one’s work is a powerful shield against burnout and significantly boosts employee satisfaction. Additionally, understanding how individual achievements contribute to the practice’s overall success and the well-being of patients fosters a culture of innovation, inspiring the team to implement new ideas and advancements.

Acknowledgment and Celebration

According to DentalPost’s February 2022 Satisfaction Survey (look for 2023’s in the New Year!), dental hygienists highly value the opportunity to utilize their knowledge and skills, as well as recognition for their efforts. An established evaluation system provides a natural platform to acknowledge and celebrate achievements and growth. Furthermore, team members can readily support and cheer on their colleagues in pursuing their goals. This is a great way to foster a collaborative and uplifting work environment.

It’s no secret that a happy and motivated team leads to satisfied patients, ultimately contributing to practice success. A thoughtfully designed performance measurement system lays the foundation for a self-motivated, productive, and content team. Practices can create an environment where each team member feels empowered to excel and contribute to the overall success. Establishing clear expectations, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a culture of recognition and support is how to achieve that.