Unlocking Excellence: – Everyone Is Doing Their Best with the Resources They Have Available
A nurse runs into the staff room, eats a sandwich so quickly she inhales it rather than chewing it. She is so hungry, it is two thirty, she has been in the surgery since 7:45 and has not stopped. The day-book has been back to back, the dentist is squeezing in extra work because the patient wants it done before Christmas, they worked through their lunch seeing emergencies, the next patient is already getting cross as we are running late. And then the dentist bursts into the room making demands about what the nurse should be doing to prepare for the patient not eating lunch. The nurse is tired, hungry, thirsty, and introvert needing time alone to decompress and recharge, they are in an unresourceful state. Would it be any surprise if they had an outburst, raised voice and walking out of the room to get 5 minutes peace? I think not. This nurse does not need to be sacked, she needs to be understood so the culture of the practice can be improved for everyone the team the patients and the clinicians.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), a powerful tool for understanding human behaviour, introduces a presupposition that should resonates deeply in our professional lives: “Everyone is doing the best they can with the resources they have available.”
Resources, in the dental context, extend beyond the tangible equipment and support structures to include the often-overlooked internal factors – beliefs, values, self-talk, and even physiological elements such as nutrition, rest, and hydration. Acknowledging this holistic perspective is crucial for fostering an environment where excellence can thrive.
Consider, for instance, the dentist who is committed to bringing out the best in their team. The NLP presupposition underscores the significance of ensuring that every team member has access to the necessary resources for optimal performance. This extends beyond the clinical realm to the daily well-being of each individual.
One tangible example is the simple act of allowing team members to take breaks for lunch, hydration, and personal needs. When practitioners recognise and prioritise the replenishment of physical resources, such as providing time for meals and hydration, they contribute significantly to sustaining peak performance throughout the day.
Moreover, creating an atmosphere of appreciation and acknowledgment can be a potent internal resource. Regular expressions of gratitude and recognition for a job well done not only boost morale but also enhance the team’s internal beliefs about their capabilities.
Conversely, withdrawing, or depleting resources can lead to diminished performance. Imagine a scenario where team members are denied breaks or are stretched beyond their capacity. The impact on their physical and mental well-being becomes evident, and the quality of work may suffer. What are the unintended consequences of insisting your nurse work through lunch, rather than allocate emergency slots?
What improves when you get in the habit of asking yourself and your team the question, “What resources do I need to build to be the best version of myself right now?”
This question becomes an empowering practice building a healthy culture in your practice. It encourages self-reflection and a proactive approach to identify and address both external and internal needs.
Embracing the NLP presupposition in dentistry involves understanding that everyone is striving to do their best, given their available resources. By cultivating an environment that values and nurtures these resources, we not only enhance individual well-being but also pave the way for excellence in patient care and practice success.
Here’s to unlocking the full potential of ourselves and our teams through the thoughtful consideration of the resources we have at our disposal.
