Episode 818

818: 5 Ways to Speak Appreciation at Work: Unlocking the Languages of Gratitude – Michelle Wakeman

Published on: 2nd December, 2024

Sometimes, saying thank you just isn't enough. But gifts aren't always what people want either! So, how do you show gratitude and appreciation to your team? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Michelle Wakeman, one of ACT’s amazing coaches, to reveal the five languages of appreciation to help you make your team feel valued at work. To learn the easiest way to improve your culture, increase productivity, and enjoy coming to work, listen to Episode 818 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Michelle:

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

Episode Resources:

Main Takeaways:

  • How you like to be shown appreciation is not the same for others.
  • Learn the five languages of appreciation and how to express them.
  • Most people like gifts. But it’s not the primary language of appreciation.
  • Speak or write words of affirmation to show your appreciation for others.
  • Perform acts of service. Even small gestures will mean a lot to your team.
  • Quality time in the form of check-ins and team meetings will show you care.
  • Appropriate physical touch can positively change the culture of your practice.
  • Be genuine when showing appreciation. People can tell when it’s disingenuous.
  • Do a team appreciation survey so that everyone knows one another’s language.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:53 Why this is an important topic.

4:22 The five languages: Words of affirmation.

7:55 The five languages: Quality time.

10:16 The five languages: Acts of service.

11:33 The five languages: Gifts.

14:21 The five languages: Physical touch.

16:11 Be genuine.

16:58 How to systematize this in your practice.

19:20 Have scheduled downtime.

21:05 Final takeaways.

Michelle Wakeman, BSDH, Bio:

Michelle Wakeman, BSDH, brings nearly 20 years of clinical dental hygiene, administrative, managerial, and sales experience to the table. She has a passion for people and a natural aptitude for communication that has led her to develop meaningful relationships throughout her career in dentistry. As a coach, she seeks to help dental practices develop systems that enable them to enhance their patient experience, leading to better relationships among owners, team members, and patients, along with profitable outcomes.

In her off time, Michelle can usually be found at the ice rink supporting her son, Hunter, in hockey, the ball field cheering on her son, Carter, or the gym, reliving her days as a gymnast with her daughter, Leighton.


Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

About the Podcast

The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt
Elevate Your Dental Practice: Insights & Strategies from Industry Leaders
Welcome to The Best Practices Show, hosted by Kirk Behrendt, founder of ACT Dental (https://www.actdental.com/) and a leader in dental practice coaching. This podcast is your gateway to discovering the hidden gems and tactics used by the most successful dental practices worldwide.

At ACT Dental, we have meticulously curated strategies that have consistently proven effective in elevating dental practices. Our podcast, The Best Practices Show, extends our commitment to sharing this wealth of knowledge. Each episode features interviews with renowned dental professionals and industry leaders who have made significant strides in their practices. They share their experiences, insights, and the challenges they've overcome, offering a unique perspective that you won't find anywhere else.

Why should you listen to The Best Practices Show? Whether you're a seasoned dentist, a new practice owner, or somewhere in between, this podcast is tailored to inspire and educate. Our goal is not just to provide you with information but to transform the way you think about and run your dental practice. We delve into topics ranging from advanced clinical techniques and practice management to leadership skills and personal growth.

Kirk Behrendt, a respected figure in the dental community, brings his vast experience and infectious enthusiasm to each episode, making complex topics both understandable and engaging. As the CEO of ACT Dental, Kirk has helped countless dental practices thrive by focusing on holistic development - professionally, personally, and within their community.

Our commitment to authenticity and practical advice sets The Best Practices Show apart. We don't just talk about theories; we dive into real-life applications you can implement immediately in your practice. Our community-centric approach means we're always listening to our audience and constantly evolving our content to meet your needs.

In addition to the invaluable insights from our guests, we also provide access to exclusive resources available through ACT Dental. These resources complement the podcast topics and give you a more comprehensive understanding and practical tools to apply in your practice.

By subscribing to The Best Practices Show, you're not just gaining access to a podcast; you're joining a community of like-minded professionals committed to excellence in dentistry.

So, are you ready to transform your practice and be the best version of yourself? Join us on this journey, and let's grow together. Hit subscribe and never miss an episode of The Best Practices Show – where we uncover the secrets to the success of the world's best dental practices, one episode at a time.

Subscribe to The Best Practices Show on Apple Podcasts

Join our community and start your journey towards a more innovative, more successful dental practice today!

About your host

Profile picture for Kirk Behrendt

Kirk Behrendt