Why boundaries matter in business and in life: The Dartmoor Dental Way and the power of “absolutely not”

stand your ground

On Thursday 2nd October I began our latest workshop tour with Dr. Mike Hesketh.

Mike presented the last of his 7 days in Edinburgh yesterday - a triumph - clients who had missed his tour travelled to Edinburgh from The Republic of Ireland, Devon, Essex and Surrey, as well as those who normally meet us here from the North of England and Scotland.

A full house for the finale of a game-changing presentation.

Mike has been utterly brilliant.

I've listened to him present for around 42 hours in the last couple of months - and my "one thing"?

"That's not The Dartmoor Dental Way."

Boundaries - we do things The Dartmoor Dental Way and if you don't agree with that way, that's fine, we can go our separate ways.

When somebody or some organisation makes an unreasonable request.

A request that doesn't fit with your values and principles, with your business model, with your philosophy, with your beliefs.

Push back.

At a recent dental event I was discussing this with a hugely respected and experienced clinician and asked how she deals with requests that violate her boundaries and values.

She instantly replied....

"I respond with.......Absolutely not!

The other party can then decide how they want to react or respond - whichever and however, that's fine."

We all need stronger boundaries like this - even if it means we have to go our separate ways in life or in business.

Can you imagine how much time we would all save?