8 MARKS OF MATURITY in the dental practice

Maturity is NOT about age, or even experience. Maturity is about humility, balance, readiness, consideration, and confidence. It’s about attitudes as well as skills.

 It rather describes your ability to exhibit emotional intelligence,  take responsibility for your actions and contribute to the success of others.  Whether you're a team member or leader, Politeness, loyalty, commitment and integrity are all essential.

Maturity is marked by...

1. Positivity under pressure  How do you respond to problems? Do you view challenges as roadblocks, or opportunities for growth? Do you BCD? (Blame others, Complain about your circumstance, Defend your actions)
2. Sensitivity to others  Exhibiting a high level of emotional intelligence is essential.  Do you treat fellow team members the same way you treat your patients? Your reputation is framed by how you treat those around you!
3. Ability to master your mouth Does your mouth often engage before your brain can catch up? Gossip… if you discuss anything negative with someone on your team that can't do anything about your issue, you’re participating in gossip! Loose lips sink ships!
4. Peacemaking, not Troublemaking Are you part of the problem, or part of the solution?  While healthy conflict is essential for growth, unhealthy conflict is a result of selfishness, pride and an unwillingness to listen.
5. Patience How often do you forego instant gratification for a long-term reward? Do you easily give up when you hit a roadblock? It's about progress, not perfection!
6. Growth Mindset  - Rigid team members who insist that their views or positions are right damage team dynamics and results. Their behavior is the opposite of teamwork! Humility and adaptability are the hallmarks of a positive team dynamic. It doesn't matter how much 'experience' you have under your belt if you aren't willing to learn alongside others.  You can have more degrees than a thermometer and still not be mature!  
7. Refusal to Keep Score - Contrary to popular belief, relationships are not 50/50.  That goes for our work relationships as well. Givers are 'culture contributors' and must be protected, or they will burn out. TAKERS can be culture-killers if they aren't held accountable. Takers can be selfish and often manipulative in their intentions. They can appear to be agreeable to those who have power over them (aka the doctor). When takers are not held to the same standard as the rest of the team, turnover is eminent.  Are you a giver, or a taker? What would your team say?
8. Encourage and celebrate the success of others rather than participating in  'Gotcha behavior' (looking for opportunities to point out others’ mistakes). Would you believe that I've even witnessed team members or doctors  go so far as to set people up to see if they make mistakes?? Then the 'gotcha gang' points out their errors and  takes credit for educating them. The only thing this proves is the insecurity of the 'gotcha gang'. Trust and team dynamics suffer.