Handling Unacceptable Requests from the Dental Team

By | December 9, 2013
Negotiation

“I’d like to think about what you’ve just said.”

In the ADA Podcast Be a Great Boss, communications expert Mary Byers suggests a three-part reply for use when an employee makes a request or suggestion that is unacceptable:

  1. I appreciate your input.
  2. I’d like to think about what you’ve just said.
  3. Let’s discuss this tomorrow.

“This allows for a response that is well thought out and not over-reactive,” Byers explains, “and if the response sets precedent, it’s going to be a precedent that the dentist will be comfortable with.”

Be a Great Boss is one of more than twenty audio podcasts produced by the ADA for dentists. Topics include strategic planning, finding and retaining dental team members and using social media. Find all the podcasts at ADA.org/podcasts.