How to Change the Climate of Your Office When It Feels Impossible

Course Objectives

1. Recognize the Signs of Cultural Erosion in the Dental Office
   Learners will identify symptoms such as unclear standards, low morale, or fear of accountability, and understand how post-pandemic fatigue may still be influencing team dynamics.
   
   
2. Shift From Blame to Ownership in Leadership Mindset
   Learners will explore how true change begins with leadership self-awareness and responsibility—redefining standards from a place of clarity, not frustration.
   
   
3. Create a Culture Reset Through Clarity and Conviction
   Learners will learn to articulate what high standards look like, why they matter, and how to tie them directly to patient care, team support, and personal fulfillment.
   
   
4. Invite Buy-In From Key Influencers on the Team
   Learners will identify high-accountability team members, engage them in early recommitment conversations, and enlist their support in spreading positive cultural momentum.
   
   
5. Plan and Lead a Reignite Meeting That Sets the Tone
   Learners will structure an intentional teamwide meeting that revisits core values, acknowledges past lapses, celebrates the “magic” of the team, and reintroduces elevated expectations in a safe and motivating way.
   
   
6. Follow Up With Department-Specific Reset Conversations
   Learners will host small-group reboot sessions by department to clarify priorities, troubleshoot barriers, and realign expectations with day-to-day roles.
   
   
7. Coach Through “Overwhelm” With Curiosity, Not Judgment
   Learners will respond to vague concerns like “I’m overwhelmed” with empathy and strategic questioning to uncover the real challenges and offer targeted support.
   
   
8. Avoid Creating Standards From a Scarcity Mindset
   Learners will design and reinforce standards based on what they want to create (impact, experience, excellence), rather than what they want to avoid (mistakes, complaints, conflict).
   
   
9. Balance Accountability With Psychological Safety
   Learners will practice communication that holds the line on expectations without creating fear, ensuring team members feel safe, supported, and capable of growth.
   
   
10. Sustain Cultural Momentum Through Leadership Delegation and Celebration
    Learners will share ownership of the new culture through team leads, simple scoreboards, and public celebrations—ensuring the energy doesn’t fade after the initial meeting.