Have you Done Any Red-Teaming?

By Addison Killeen

October 29, 2024

At the last Dental Success Summit, Alastair Macdonald gave a powerful talk about “Red-teaming.” This is a concept borrowed from military strategy, referring to a type of war simulation in which an environment of hypothetical challenges is created to practice the strategies and tactics you’d use if those scenarios actually came to pass. The term originated in the last century, referencing the “red” team or communist side in military drills.

We’ve all been there: multiple team members out sick, on vacation, or just not showing up. It’s never easy, but I believe these situations offer an opportunity for us to come together and showcase the true strength of our team. It’s about Red-teaming the practice, stepping into roles we don’t typically play, and finding ways to keep operations running smoothly even when we have fewer hands on deck.

Recently, I had just such an experience when a bout of food poisoning took out half my staff, leaving those who came in still struggling with lingering symptoms. Red-teaming means we’re willing to step outside our usual roles and do whatever it takes to support one another. It might mean handling administrative tasks, taking on extra patient communications, or ensuring that treatment rooms are prepped and turned over faster than usual. When we approach these moments with a mindset of flexibility and cooperation, we’re not just filling gaps, we’re showing what it means to have each other’s backs.

Managing tasks with fewer resources requires a clear focus on prioritization, but it also relies heavily on the preparatory work of systemization. During these times, it’s essential to work together to identify the most critical tasks needing immediate attention and to allocate our energy accordingly. Communicating with one another about who’s doing what and where help is needed most makes a world of difference in staying on track and keeping stress in check.

I know these unexpected days can be tough and even overwhelming, but it’s also when we have the greatest opportunity to grow as a team. It’s in these challenging moments that we build resilience, learn new skills, and develop creative solutions to problems we didn’t anticipate. When we pull through these situations together, we come out stronger and more adaptable for the future.

Be well and do well,
Addison Killeen

P.S. If you’re looking to build a practice and community with a support network of like-minded professionals, consider joining Dental Success Network. DSN members benefit from a collaborative community, valuable vendor discounts, and access to extensive continuing education—supporting you in every stage of practice success and giving you advice for unexpected scenarios.