The 100% pay rise

I want you to imagine that you call a team meeting at your practice. You announce that EVERYONE is to be granted a 100% pay rise with immediate effect. The pay rise is conditional simply on the individuals concerned agreeing to personal and professional development. Here are my questions for you:

1. what would you expect to receive in terms of improved performance?

2. what would you expect to receive in terms of improved behaviour?

Here are my questions for them:

1. what would you be prepared to deliver in terms of improved performance?

2. what would you be prepared to deliver in terms of improved behaviour?

During my presentation on Leadership & Management at Dentistry Live, I reminded the audience that just about every survey taken on “employee satisfaction” shows that team members perform, behave and stay with organisations when:

1. they feel genuinely appreciated

2. they are paid well

3. they can see a career progression

4. they have fun

5. they work in a nourishing environment

In that order – its not all about the money. The 100% pay rise is intended to stretch the mind muscle – to make you and them think about what potential they might have when they are set free to become exactly what they are worth. Not everyone will rise the occasion – but some might. I have worked with dental practices whose performance has been accelerated by seemingly quiet individuals who have accepted and risen to a challenge – a receptionist who wanted to become the practice marketing and social media champion, the nurse who wanted to become a top TCO, the hygienist who learned to do the management accounts and measure KPI’s. I like to think there is untapped potential in your building right now – and part of leadership is creating an environment in which talent floats to the surface. Try the 100% pay rise on yourself by the way. If you wanted to double your own income next year (and now is a good time to plan that), what changes would you make to what you do and how you do it?

“A mind, once expanded by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions”

Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr