Core values sound simple until you try to use them to lead a team consistently, especially when things get busy or uncomfortable. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt explains how to turn core values into daily decision-making tools with Heather Crockett, coach at ACT Dental.

You’ll learn how to make values behavioral and observable, build them into your communication rhythms, and use them as a practical filter for hiring, accountability, and tough leadership calls. Listen to Episode 1049 of The Best Practices Show!

Main Takeaways:

• Core values only work when they drive daily behavior, not when they’re just words on a wall.
• Values must be actionable and observable so the team can interpret and apply them consistently.
• “Core values without function” shows up as subjective interpretations, inconsistent culture, and leaders hesitating to hold people accountable.
• Make each value behavioral by defining what it means, documenting examples of how it shows up, and listing the results when it’s alive and well.
• Operationalize values by embedding them into hiring, onboarding, daily huddles, weekly team meetings, monthly check-ins, and quarterly planning.
• Use values as the decision-making filter for real-time issues like scheduling, finances, patient care, and team dynamics to reduce decision fatigue.
• Hire and evaluate people on two criteria: they get results and they fit your core values, using tools like a Right Person, Right Seat scorecard.

Snippets:

00:00 How to turn core values into daily decision-making tools.

02:10 Why core values matter only if they drive behavior.

03:10 Why vague values (like “excellence” or “integrity”) don’t work as daily tools.

04:30 What “core values without function” looks like inside a practice.

06:10 How to make values behavioral with definitions, examples, and outcomes.

08:00 Using “anti-values” and standout team behaviors to clarify what you want.

10:10 Putting core values into systems and communication rhythms.

12:10 Using huddles and team meetings for value shout-outs and accountability.

18:00 Using core values as a daily decision filter to reduce decision fatigue.

22:10 Heather’s final takeaways on visibility, systems, and reflection.

23:50 BPA tools mentioned: Identifying Core Values, bringing values alive, Right Person Right Seat scorecard.

Guest Bio/Guest Resources:

Heather Crockett is a Lead Practice Coach who finds joy in not only improving practices but improving the lives of those she coaches as well. With over 20 years of combined experience in assisting, office management, and clinical dental hygiene, her awareness supports many aspects of the practice setting.

Heather received her dental hygiene degree from the Utah College of Dental Hygiene in 2008. Networking in the dental community comes easy to her, and she loves to connect with like-minded colleagues on social media. Heather enjoys both attending and presenting continuing education to expand her knowledge and learn from her friends and colleagues.

She enjoys hanging out with her husband, three sons, and their dog, Moki, scrolling through social media, watching football, and traveling.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Identifying Your Core Values (exercise outline): https://www.actdental.com/hubfs/Identify%20Your%20Practices%20Core%20Values.pdf
• BPA tool on how to bring core values alive:
• https://www.actdental.com/free-resources/how-to-bring-your-core-values-alive
• Right Person, Right Seat scorecard:
• https://www.actdental.com/blog/2-key-tools-for-accountability-success

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
• Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
• Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
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