A powerful quote can spark encouragement when our motivation is lacking. They can inspire contemplation and reset our focus on the things that truly matter.

“Your life is your message to the world, make sure it’s inspiring.”

What does that quote mean to you? I find most dental professionals seek to inspire in some capacity. Ours is a profession constructed of hearts that long to influence change.

“The best way to lose yourself is in the service of others.”

One of the most compelling ways to inspire is through volunteering. There is fulfillment and gratification in serving others.

How does this pertain to dental professionals, and why is service relevant to what we do? Studies show creating an atmosphere of volunteerism boosts morale among employees, promotes leadership skills, cultivates effective communication, and boosts your brand’s perception. An overwhelming 89% of employees feel that organizations that sponsor volunteer events have a better overall work environment.

Happy employees are productive employees. When your team feels good about what they are doing, they become invested in your mission and take pride in what they do. In essence, you are more likely to retain employees who feel proud to bepart of your culture.

Volunteering strengthens team bonds and keeps gratitude at the forefront of what we do. Leadership skills are cultivated by allowing your team to pursue, lead, and initiate opportunities to give. Experienced employees model service to unacquainted staff members, creating a charitable domino effect.

“Earn your success based on service to others, not at the expense of others.”

Our patients are the backbone of our practices, and far more important than consultants, trainers, and coaches. Without them we cease to exist. When our patients observe us participating in big gives around our communities, it builds a feeling of connected ness and goodwill. This makes you stand out from other practices. We all appreciate feeling connected to something bigger and greater than ourselves.

For years, Dr. Mark Hassed of Melbourne, Australia opened his practice once or twice a year offering free dentistry to those in need. The first time they provided this opportunity, they helped over 80 patients. Because they were offering free services, local news sources wrote articles about their benefaction. While volunteering should never be about the glory or exploiting the needs of those less fortunate, the side benefit can be positive PR for your practice. This is an opportunity for the community to see who you genuinely are at your core.

“Volunteers plant seeds of love that allow countless hearts to grow.”

As a farmer plants seeds to produce specific crops, when we plant seeds of generosity, we yield intangible crops such as charity, goodness, kindness, and gratitude. These seeds flourish and produce characteristics that nourish us in our calling and in commerce.

More than ever, consumers want to choose businesses that are real, authentic and making a difference. When selecting charities and events to sponsor and encourage, here are five key things to consider:

There must be alignment
Be sure the charity or cause aligns with your core values. Avoid confusion by choosing events that do not accurately represent you and your brand. Authenticity is key.

There must be a need
It is important to bring value and fill a void that is not being met. A give has more impact when it bridges the gap on an unmet need.

You must be available
Once you commit to participate or sponsor an event, hold up to your commitment. It’s been said the greatest ability is availability.

You must be adaptable
Whenever you work with people, flexibility and teachability are key.

You must follow through
It’s okay to say no, but when you say yes, it’s important to see it through. When you don’t hold up to your commitments, your credibility, leadership skills, and personal brand take a huge hit.

It’s been said, “Service is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”

Regardless of the role, regardless of the give, “The person who gives, is a person who is blessed.”

 

Her clinical and support team experiences are the inspiration for her writing and the motivation for coaching clients to success. She is a regular contributor to various publications within dentistry and beyond. In addition to feeding the homeless, starting a non-profit, and being involved in her church and other community organizations, she sings professionally and enjoys several creative outlets. She resides in Florida where she enjoys the company of her husband, three children, and four beautiful grandchildren.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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