The doctor is very clear with directions, while the hygienist won't be reluctant to ask questions or suggesting alternative solutions. The 'dental dance' makes sure that, even in the most complicated circumstances, both are on the same page. Most often, a dentist will call in a different hygienist or dentist for a follow-up look, advice or even feedback. The dentist will check in with patients and provide details clearly and concisely, to ensure that everyone lean portfolio management is aware of what's going to happen and what can be expected when the procedure is completed. The dentist gives the patient enough time to reply and provide feedback.

At my dental office, they have a team-oriented culture. From the receptionist at the front desk to the experienced dentist, everyone has one final purpose in sight. They are committed to providing the highest quality of service and treatment to each patient.

It's also clear that not all companies have achieved collaboration and teamwork to the level that it is. Many companies struggle to establish the practices and attitudes that enable collaboration to be productive. Teams working without good collaboration practices can show resentment or even anxiety. Within the workplace the dysfunctional team may cause harm to other employees. Growth and productivity over time depend on the capacity of a lean management organization to inspire their employees to work in higher-levels. Rarely will an employee be successful without the ability to effectively cooperate and work as part of an organization.

To increase collaboration, make sure your team members are practicing the following skills while building teams.

  • Encourage and foster the practice of active listening
  • Communicate without distractions
  • Reduce the abstract or indirect nature of communication
  • Explore the thinking of others while being open new perspectives
  • Get comfortable with silence
  • Find unspoken signals and cues
  • Provide feedback on specific behavior
  • Practice self-awareness
  • Job sharing and practice delegation
  • Transparency with your procedures and review them regularly to find ways to improve them

"Leaders who are frustrated with a lack of cooperation can begin by asking themselves one simple question: What has they done to promote collaboration in the present? It's only by consistently admitting their mistakes, observing and encouragingly to the thoughts of others and being respectful yet assertive when challenging their colleagues' beliefs and actions that they can foster lasting collaboration. Through training employees to use the six methods that leaders employ, they can make innovative effective collaboration a daily routine" (Gino, 2019,).