The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Dentists Habit 3: Putting First Things First

- Dr. Mark A. Limosani

Dear Colleagues,

First, I would like to take this the opportunity to wish you all a year full of prosperity, health and happiness. As mentioned in the two previous articles I published on this topic, my goal with this series is to share the principles articulated so beautifully by the late Steven Covey in his classic book, the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. I will also create points of reference that apply specifically to all of us in the dental and oral health care industry. Part three of our seven-part series is all the more fitting during this time where everyone is interested in adopting new ways of being, or habits for the new year.

The third habit discussed by Covey is related to “putting first things first.” What one can interpret from Covey’s writings would be that one must prioritize what is most important in one’s life and organize time to reflect these values. In a day and age where there is always the next best thing around the corner, this concept really highlights the importance of staying grounded and living in a principle-based life. Conceptually this would seem like a very easily adoptable habit. However, in order to put it into practice, one needs to take inventory of how one spends one’s time.

Taking the time to visualize what one wants out of practice and out of life makes “putting first things first” a possibility. Starting with the end in mind (habit number two) allows one to clarify the priorities one must establish in order to design one’s life. Planning a year, a quarter, a month, a week and a day - all needs to revolve around what we value most and what we want to see grow in our lives. Tony Robbins often says, “Where focus goes, energy flows.” Prioritizing what one chooses to focus on and planning accordingly allows what one focuses on to expand.

In a dental practice this would involve creating a schedule template that is reflective of what we want to prioritize most in our practice. If our goal is to create a relationship-driven practice, then we need to take the time necessary to build and nurture those relationships with our patients and our practice allies. Conversely, if our goal is to provide as much care to as many patients as possible, the schedule would likely need to reflect this desire. Having clarity on the type of practice one envisions allows for this execution to flow more easily. If there is a specific procedure a doctor wants to perform more frequently, he/she must not only take the time to learn the skill but also schedule time to discuss the benefits of treatment with their patients to create value. One must also allow for more opportunities and availability for the doctor to provide this service. “Putting first things first” is essentially the executional arm of the “starting with the end in mind” principle. Without this prioritization, other commitments tend to take precedence whether one likes it or not.

Creating a fulfilling practice does not happen in a vacuum. Clearly articulating to the entire dental team what the practice owner most values creates alignment and allows for all parties involved to bring up suggestions as to how to bring this vision to life. Putting first things first in one’s practice involves creating systems and processes that highlight what one values most. A reproducible consistent patient experience that highlights and emphasizes what one values most is the end result of careful and deliberate planning and execution. I would love to invite you all to share different processes and/or systems that you have implemented that have allowed for you to put first things first in your practice or your life. Have you ever taken the time to outline what your priorities are and what you can do to bring about more of what you want in life?

The next article will revolve around the concept of thinking “Win-Win.” I look forward to outlining different instances in practice and in life where this principle best applies and how it could help to enrich your life as well as that of your community. I wish you all the best for 2023.

-Mark