Make Core Values Real

Culture isn’t a poster—it’s repetition, recognition, and review. Here’s how you can keep core values alive, tie them to real goals, and make them a critical part of your business. Keep core values front and center.

Define Core Values Clearly

Your core values should follow the following format: a one-sentence name, a plain-English definition, and two to three examples of what that core value “looks like and doesn’t look like.”

Review Core Values Quarterly

Include core values in your quarterly 1:1 meetings. Use a simple scoring system for each value, and include one concrete example that demonstrates what the employee should continue doing or how they can improve.

Highlight One Core Value Daily in Morning Huddles

During the huddle, read the definition of the core value, and ask one teammate, “What does this mean in our office?” or “How did you live this core value yesterday?” This practice helps the team keep core values top of mind.

Recognize People Demonstrating Core Values

Recognize team members who demonstrate core values by praising their actions in a huddle or your team chat. “Yesterday, Maria showed honesty and integrity when she told a waiting patient we were 10 minutes behind and why.”

Hire, Coach, Fire to Values

Core values should be the cornerstone of your business. They are the first “rule of the house,” and should take priority over tasks and KPIs. If someone doesn’t fit your core values, they aren’t someone you should have on your team.

Too often, core values become an afterthought, but making them a key part of your practice is critical for success. Core values empower your team to perform better, help you achieve your business goals, and allow you to deliver a better patient experience. Want to learn more about creating a value-driven dental practice? Check out this episode of The Dental Lighthouse podcast.