The key to success in 2025 is consistency

This new year, Lucie Simic shares why choosing consistency can deliver ‘transformative’ results for your practice.

For the past few weeks, it seems the world around us is in a frenzy of ‘new year’ reinvention. Everywhere I turn people are sharing their resolutions, fresh goals and bold declarations for the year ahead.

But, for me, this has started to manifest as overwhelm and a little bit of comparison. This is easy to do with social media and so instead I have decided to choose ‘consistency’.

Instead of chasing reinvention, or declaring big goals, my focus is on building on the solid foundation that the last couple of years have built. I will be consistently showing up for my health, my family and my work. This mindset has also inspired me to reflect on how consistency plays a vital role in the dental practice environment.

Consistency creates stability. In our personal lives, it builds trust, fosters relationships, and cultivates habits that lead to long-term success. The same applies to a dental practice. When everyone in the team, from front-of-house to the clinical team, is committed to being consistent, the results are transformative.

Consistency in leadership

One of the most critical areas where consistency is required is leadership. As a practice manager or team leader, the tone you set each day influences the entire team. A person cannot feel safe at work if they are unsure what version of their manager they will encounter. Will they be met with calm and constructive feedback, or abrupt and unpredictable criticism?

In The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson, the importance of consistency in leadership is highlighted through the concept of clear and focused communication. The book emphasises setting clear goals, praising achievements promptly, and providing constructive feedback in real-time. These practices ensure that team members know where they stand and feel supported in their growth.

For me, consistency in leadership means:

  • Setting clear expectations – we need to regularly communicate goals and guidelines to avoid confusion
  • Lead by example – if you want your team to be punctual, professional and empathetic, demonstrate these traits yourself
  • Consistent performance reviews and informal check-ins help employees grow and feel valued.

By maintaining a steady and reliable leadership style, you create an environment where team members feel supported and motivated. When leaders apply these principles consistently, the workplace becomes a space of trust and high performance.

Consistency in customer service

Delivering exceptional customer service in dental practices isn’t optional for me, it’s essential. Patients often come to us feeling anxious or uncertain. Consistency in their experience can alleviate these feelings and build loyalty. From the moment they book an appointment to the time they leave the practice, every interaction should reflect the same high standard of care.

Here are my tips for achieving consistency in customer service:

  • Ensure that everyone, from the receptionist answering calls to the dentist explaining treatment plans, uses clear and empathetic language
  • Develop and maintain protocols for common tasks, such as handling complaints or scheduling follow-ups
  • Regularly train your team to keep everyone aligned and prepared to handle a variety of situations.

Patients will notice and appreciate the effort, leading to better reviews, more referrals and a stronger reputation.

Consistency in teamwork

Everything in a dental practice is about teamwork. It’s a partnership between all areas of the team: front-of-house staff, dental nurses, hygienists and dentists. When each member consistently performs their role, the entire practice operates like a well-oiled machine.

Everyone should understand their role and how it contributes to the bigger picture. Regular team meetings and huddles ensure that everyone is on the same page and a culture of consistency encourages team members to step in and support each other when needed.

For example, imagine a scenario where a patient’s treatment plan changes unexpectedly. A consistent team can quickly adapt because they have a shared understanding of protocols and trust in each other’s capabilities.

Achieving consistency isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence. It requires intentional effort and a commitment to long-term growth.

Here are my strategies to help cultivate consistency in the year ahead:

1. Set realistic goals

Start with achievable objectives for yourself and your practice. Instead of aiming for sweeping changes, focus on incremental improvements.

2. Create systems and processes

Document workflows and protocols to ensure consistency across the board. Whether it’s onboarding new staff or managing patient recalls, having a standardised approach reduces variability.

3. Prioritise communication

Consistent communication is the backbone of any successful practice. Use tools like shared calendars, messaging apps or task management software to keep everyone informed and aligned.

4. Celebrate wins

Consistency doesn’t mean monotony. Take time to celebrate milestones and acknowledge the hard work of your team. This reinforces positive behaviours and motivates everyone to maintain high standards.

5. Be kind to yourself

Finally, remember that consistency doesn’t mean never faltering. There will be days when things don’t go as planned. What matters is your commitment to showing up the next day and continuing the effort.

As we embrace 2025, I encourage you to reflect on how consistency can shape your year, both personally and professionally. For me, it’s about maintaining the good habits I’ve built, deepening relationships, and fostering stability in my life and work. For your dental practice, it’s about creating a culture of trust, delivering exceptional care, and working together as a cohesive team.

Consistency isn’t flashy or dramatic. It’s the quiet, persistent force that drives success. Let’s commit to it, together, and see where it takes us.

Catch up with Lucie’s previous columns:

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