June 22, 2020
How to Maintain Emotional Intelligence during COVID-19
You can have the best-laid plan to reopen your dental office after many months, but unless you maintain your emotional intelligence, you’re doing a disservice to your staff and patients. The COVID-19 pandemic may have shaken up both your personal and professional life, but now more than ever, it’s important to keep your composure as the face of your practice. Here’s how and why to stay cool, calm and collected during these uncertain times.
Stay positive
Speaking positively manifests positivity around you. Everyone has their moments, and while it’s OK to show vulnerability, when you can, try to keep things light knowing your patients and staff need it now more than ever.
Commit to self-care
It’s easy to put your head down and focus on the task at hand, but it’s just as important to know when you need a break. Dentists are in the business of caregiving, so make sure you put the proverbial oxygen mask on yourself first so you can care for others. It will only help your staff and patients in the end.
Let it go
You can’t control all the circumstances of the world. Instead, let yourself feel and accept all the emotions. Redirect your energy on what you do have control over to nip the emotional boil over in the bud. Most of all, accept that circumstances are still changing on a dime, and be ready to adapt your ever-evolving plan once again.
Empathize
Build trust with each other through empathy. This is important for staff and patients alike. Family and work situations have changed drastically for everyone, so be prepared to lend an ear when needed and adapt plans as you move forward.
Communicate
Communicate as openly and honestly as you can with each other. Transparency breeds trust and relieves some anxiety. Let your team know you are proactively working on a plan for the next weeks and months, and even consider bringing your team together with a virtual huddle as a way to connect and talk about your path forward.
What’s next?
Contact the experts at Professional Transition Strategies for more advice on how to move your dental practice forward during this new normal.