One of the main reasons I am contacted by principles starts with
“I’m worried about my PM, they need support, and it can’t always be me”.
It doesn’t take long for me to understand why!
Of course, there are many other factors, but the starting point is to look at what the PM is.doing day to day, and how they are managing their time, or whether they are just trying to get through the day.
Developing a structure and implementing some zoning is a helpful way to make sure that you aren’t going home frazzled every day, feeling like you haven’t achieved very much.
I’m a huge fan of creating a daily planner. We love a tick list, don’t we!
Set yourself daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual tasks, and try to follow some of these Hot tips for regaining some control!
- Prioritise Self-Care:
- Just as you prioritise patients’ oral health, prioritise your own well-being. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and proper nutrition are essential.
- Consider mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing to manage stress.
- Set Realistic Goals:
- Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
- Avoid over committing. Learn to say no when necessary.
- Delegate Wisely:
- You’re not a one-person show. Delegate tasks to your team members.
- Trust your team’s abilities and empower them to take ownership.
- Time Blocking:
- Allocate specific time blocks for different tasks. For example:
- Morning: Emails, HR, Compliance
- Afternoon: Financials, KPI’s, Marketing
- Stick to these blocks as much as possible.
- Allocate specific time blocks for different tasks. For example:
- Use Technology Efficiently:
- Invest in practice management software to streamline scheduling, billing, and patient communication.
- Automate repetitive tasks wherever possible.
- Regular Breaks:
- Step away from your desk. Take short breaks throughout the day.
- Use lunchtime to recharge, not catch up on work.
- Learn to Say “Good Enough”:
- Perfectionism can lead to burnout. Strive for excellence but recognise when something is good enough.
- Remember that patients and the team, appreciate your effort, even if things aren’t flawless.
- Seek Support:
- Connect with other dental practice managers by joining the Dental Practice Managers Association (ADAM) for example, introduce professional support for areas such as HR, Compliance, Marketing.
- Share experiences, learn from others, and seek advice.
- Ensure you have protected time to speak to principals, and regular meetings.
- Monitor Your Energy Levels:
- Pay attention to when you’re most productive. Schedule important tasks during those times.
- Avoid energy-draining activities.
- Keep hydrated and have healthy snacks to hand.
- Reflect and Adjust:
- Regularly assess your workload, stress levels, and satisfaction.
- Adjust your strategies as needed to maintain balance.