How We FAILED Our Team…And What We Learned!

In this episode of "Just a Couple of Dentists," Eric and Alex dive deep into the intricacies of delegation within their dental practices and personal lives. Reflecting on their experiences since selling their practices, they discuss the challenges and lessons learned about effectively delegating tasks to team members.

The episode begins with a candid acknowledgment of a past mistake: failing to set clear expectations for a newly appointed regional manager. Eric shares how they brought in a consultant to implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to help organize their growing practices. However, they quickly realized that while they had the framework in place, they had not adequately defined the role or provided the necessary support for their regional manager to succeed. This lack of clarity led to stress and ultimately contributed to her departure from the role.

As the conversation unfolds, Eric and Alex emphasize the importance of mastering a role before delegating it. They reflect on their early days in practice, where they learned every aspect of their operations to create a comprehensive "how-to" manual. This foundational knowledge allowed them to effectively train their team and ensure consistency in patient care and office management.

The hosts also discuss the significance of feedback loops in delegation. They stress that clear communication is essential for success, as team members need to understand the nuances of their tasks. Eric highlights the importance of writing down processes to prevent the dilution of quality over time, using the example of patient experience protocols that can become less effective if not documented.

Transitioning to personal life, Alex shares how they have delegated household tasks, such as cleaning and meal preparation, to free up time for family and business growth. By outsourcing these responsibilities, they can focus on what truly matters—spending quality time with their children and expanding their business ventures.

Throughout the episode, Eric and Alex provide valuable insights into the balance of delegation, emphasizing that while it's essential to trust your team, it's equally important to maintain oversight and clarity. They conclude by discussing the need for a base level of knowledge in areas like marketing and finance to make informed decisions when hiring experts.

Join us for this engaging discussion filled with practical advice and personal anecdotes that will resonate with anyone looking to improve their delegation skills, whether in a professional or personal context.