As we know it, most front office team members are women. Most hygienist are women. Most assistants are woman. While there are certainly more male dentist, more and more female dentist are stepping into that role year after year.
Considering the fact women are so incredibly relevant in dentistry today (as they have been for years) there is a continued struggle with a positive work dynamic. A positive work dynamic means healthy relationships among co-workers. An environment is sometimes forgotten and destroyed by women tearing each other down.
This is a huge challenge when there is not a strong since of leadership in the practice.
There are of course offices where this culture does not exist and let's not forget that men are guilty of it too.
In offices where women do have a toxic culture, what can you do to help change? Who in the practice, wants to step up and be a leader in an office that is lacking that role?
Break this culture by collaborating, sharing, and mentoring team members. Leaders reciprocate, leaders have open courageous conversations that include honesty. Lastly leaders are open to truly listening and making changes in their own behaviors as a result of a courageous conversation.
If you are a woman that has less competitive tendencies, are open to bridging the gap between employees that create a culture where gossip is the norm. You can stand up and make a change at any time.
An office where this culture does not exist is such a nice place to be. Decrease the distraction and increase the support while being challenged. You can even drive each other to be better versions of themselves.
