Leading the: Tips for continued growth from Christine Draa, CDA chief people officer
What do “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Top Gun” and “The Bear” have in common with your dental practice? A great morning huddle! A high-performing dental practice doesn’t start when the first patient arrives. It starts with the morning huddle: a focused, fast paced alignment that sets the tone for the day.
Like hospital rounds in “Grey’s Anatomy,” the best huddles center on preparedness. The team reviews the schedule and patient list, flags complex cases and clarifies responsibilities, minimizing surprises and setting expectations. In your office, this may mean identifying high-value treatments, anxious patients or schedule gaps. Meredith and Derek never walked into surgery hoping everything would go well. You shouldn’t either. Use your huddle to ensure your team is calm, clear and ready for the day.
In “Top Gun,” Maverick may have felt the need for speed, but even he didn’t take off for a mission unprepared. In your practice, talent and confidence are not enough to ensure a smooth and productive day. The morning huddle, like the best mission briefing, addresses priorities, complexities and known risks. Go into your day sharp.
“The Bear” offers a powerful lesson in execution under pressure. Restaurant teams run pre-service lineups to ensure alignment on timing, roles and communication. Dental teams operate similarly. That morning huddle means everyone knows how to keep things running smoothly, even when cancellations occur, a new team member slows the flow or financial objections cause schedule delays. Adapt on the fly, focus on execution, be clear and direct. Grace under pressure and no one is the wiser.
For fun: “The Office” is a reminder of what not to do! Long, unfocused meetings drain energy. The most effective huddles are short, structured and purposeful. Your morning huddle should feel like a respected ritual. It’s part strategy and part culture. When done well, it transforms a group of individuals into a coordinated team–ready to win the day together.