It was the annual office Lake Day today. The staff and their families come out to one of the local lakes (usually Lake Camanche) for a day of boating, wakeboarding, water skiing, and of course, food!!! Just some pics to share -it was amazing I got any photos today with the Err 01 I kept getting while trying to use my favorite zoom (70-200 f2.8L IS).

Some nice pics Leon. I really like 1 and 4, you captured some good action there. Looks like you office puts on a pretty good outing. I'm sure the staff appreciates time away from the office to get to know everyone on a different level. Nice going.

Thanks OT. One of the things that impressed me most about this practice was the attitude the doctors had towards staff and patients. I visited the practice 13 years ago after my classmate Dwight joined the group fresh out of dental school, and I was amazed not so much by the level of advanced dentistry, but by the way the practice was run. The doctors really believed in the extended family idea. Hardly anyone gets fired in this practice because we believe a great person exists inside everyone of our staff, and if that person doesn't emerge it's our fault for not nurturing and training adequately for that great staff member to emerge. The interview process and application form (about twenty pages)is quite rigorous (especially for the incoming associate/partner-to-be dentist), so we usually do a good job weeding out people lacking the tools and temperment to succeed in the office. It's been quite a learning experience for me trying to learn true leadership skills and applying them to succeed in the framework of this practice.
What really impressed me most about the doctors was the way they practiced. Ron (the guy on the waverunner) summed it up this way for me 13 years ago: Christian first, doctor second, businessman third, keep it in that order with every patient and you will succeed.
We spend a great deal of effort and resources trying to maintain the small business/extended family dynamic in this practice despite the size (5 doctors, 5 hygienists, and 33 ancillary/administrative staff) of the group. The young man flying on the wakeboard is Ron's son, entering dental school next year and future partner in the group (we're gonna need a new building soon),
Thanks for looking and the nice compliments.
Leon

What a great attitude and business philosophy for a practice to have. I congratulate you and your partners, I only wish that more businesses had your high ideas and philosophy. Keep it up and keep up the great images.