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Lets Think Differently - January 2007This months Thoughts on Leadership is better accessed through my video blog as it includes an interview that is worth seeing. At the start of the year we have an opportunity to set new goals and think about where we are going. So it seems appropriate that we start with the subject of thinking differently. Taking a fresh look at the way we do things. Many times it is not until something comes up that forces us to re-think the way we operate that we actually do. We get trapped in the thinking that this is the only way to operate and the only way to do things. For various reasons there may be an easier way of doing what we are doing, but we are so locked into the habit that we miss the alternatives. So this month I want to challenge you to think about your business differently. If you were running your business differently, what would you do? In my research I get to meet some amazing businesses and the people that run them. Last year I had the pleasure of visiting a dentist in the UK. Yes, I did say dentist. Many of you may not think of a dentist as a pleasurable experience, but that's my point. This dentist was thinking differently. Kenny Doig was in a dental partnership and thought that business didn't have to be done that way. It could be different. In fact, he started with, what sort of place did he want to work in? What sort of dental practice did he want to feel excited to go to work at? What sort of place would it be if everyone enjoyed working there and the customers enjoyed the experience? He decided to develop his own practice and he literally built his business on the side of his house. He recruited people that were inspired by his vision. What was the vision? He built a ‘dental boutique'. This was a place that had a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. This was a place where people were pampered and they won the confidence of customers. In fact winning their trust was an important part of that business. A customer walks through the door into a modern establishment and after being welcomed is shown into a consulting room where drinks are served. There are flat screen TV's on the wall and leather armchairs. A consultant arrives and talks with you about your health, your interests, your life style, your history of dental care and everything else that helps the practice build up a picture of you. Half an hour later you are escorted through to the dentists room and introduced to the dentist. Once in the chair the dentist will examine your mouth, not just your teeth. He is looking for anything that may be important to your health including signs of cancer or other issues that may affect your well being. There is a screen that enables you to see what he is doing. He takes photos of your teeth so that if ever you were in an accident and you needed any reconstructive surgery, they would have a photo of what you used to look like! The whole experience is one of being totally different and very relaxing but professional. The person that met you is your contact while you are with this practice. That person will handle your appointments, deal with your problems should they arise and be with you to advise and support you. I wouldn't go so far as to say that the time with the dentist is incidental to your visit, but it is almost in that vein. Kenny's practice is so successful that he has moved out of the house and given over the whole place to his developing business. It is not a one-person practice any more and he has a team of people dedicated and committed to his vision. In 2006 he won the Best Employer (Kenny Doig) - Private Dentistry Magazine & Best Practice UK - Dentistry Magazine .They were also awarded with the Investors in People recognition for the way they run their business. It is certainly a new twist on a visit to the dentist but what about your business? Surely you can't dismiss it and say it is not possible when a dentist can do it and make it a success. As we end the first month of the year, let me ask you to consider the following questions:
I hope you have a great year and look forward to asking you challenging questions each month. If you wish to watch or listen to the interview with Kenny and get more out of what he has done, then go to...
You can also subscribe to my podcast / video podcast, just copy this feed into your favourite aggregator: Podcast http://paulbridle.audioblog.com/rss/thoughts.xml Video podcast: http://paulbridle.audioblog.com/rss/thoughts_on_leadership_video_podcast.xml Or subscribe via iTunes Best Wishes Paul |
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