Letting Go to Grow: Core Leadership Principles for Practice Teams

Embracing Change: Transforming Your Orthodontic Practice Through Growth and Self-Awareness

Change is inevitable, yet many orthodontic practices struggle with adopting new processes and technologies.  Orthodontic consultant Gustavo Sanchez tackles the challenges of change and how orthodontic teams can develop a growth mindset to navigate transformation successfully. His insights shed light on the emotional and psychological journey of adopting change, providing a simplified roadmap for leaders to guide their teams through resistance and toward success.

Understanding Resistance to Change

"If we know that change is constant, why do we struggle so much with it internally?" Sanchez posed this critical question early in the webinar, highlighting how individuals often accept external changes but resist internal transformations. This resistance stems from a lack of preparation and emotional investment in the change process. Sanchez explained that when new systems or workflows are introduced in a practice, initial reactions often fall under "neutral disinterest"—a state where employees neither reject nor embrace change because they didn't pursue it themselves.

The Cycle of Change Adoption

Sanchez shared a powerful framework that outlines the stages people go through when facing change:

1. Neutral Disinterest – Apathy due to lack of personal investment.

2. Passive Curiosity – Mild interest sparked by exposure.

3. Skepticism – Doubt and questioning, often based on past experiences.

4. Anxiety – Fear and frustration as reality sets in.

5. Acceptance – Recognizing change is necessary.

6. Adoption – Full engagement and mastery of the new system.

Leaders play a crucial role in guiding their teams through these phases. "It’s not 100% your fault," Sanchez reassured, emphasizing that resistance is natural. However, preparation and consistent communication is the role of the leader and can ease the transition.

Building a Culture of Trust and Support

One of the biggest hurdles in orthodontic practices is the perceived divide between doctors, leadership, and the team. Sanchez highlighted a common sentiment from doctors: "I dare not ask my team to do more." This fear stems from concerns about employee pushback or burnout. However, he challenged teams to reframe their perceptions, encouraging open dialogue and mutual understanding.

A standout moment from the webinar was when Sanchez recalled a conversation with a doctor who said, "If you can take care of these things for me, I’ll have my weekends back with my family." This reality check served as a reminder that leadership teams also face challenges, and fostering a collaborative environment benefits everyone.

Key Takeaways for High-Performing Practices

• Prepare Your Team for Change: Don’t assume employees will embrace new workflows without guidance. Engage them early and often.

• Encourage Vulnerability: "Sometimes that vulnerability means saying, ‘I don’t know the answer, I need help,’" Sanchez noted.

• Foster Difficult Conversations: Avoiding hard discussions leads to difficult relationships. Addressing concerns head-on builds trust.

• Embrace Inconvenience: "Neutral disinterest plus convenience equals lack of growth. But adopting change plus inconvenience equals growth."

By shifting perspectives and prioritizing team support, orthodontic practices can successfully navigate change. As Sanchez powerfully concluded, "We are at war—with customer service, with pouring into each other—and we have to find a way to bring it back."

This message of unity and leadership serves as a strong reminder that transformation begins with a willingness to let go, grow, and support one another on the journey to excellence. You can click below to watch the replay of Gustavo's webinar for more leadership insights!

About KLOwen Orthodontics:

KLOwen Orthodontics is a custom digital technology company transforming orthodontic practices through our full custom digital orthodontic solution that increases efficiency, improves quality & consistency of outcomes, and reduces stress in the orthodontic practice. Founded in 2019 by Orthodontist, Dr. Brandon Owen, KLOwen is leading innovation in orthodontic treatment with a full portfolio of custom fixed appliances proven to deliver an average of 7.1 fewer appointments per patient. Schedule a demo today by clicking here.