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Associate Training How our “Hire for Life” process laid the foundation for transformational growth : BY DR. STEVE BROUGHTON
In his book “Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future”, billionaire entrepreneur and venture capitalist Peter Thiel asks, “What important truth do very few people agree with you on?” It’s featured in a section on the single best interview question you can ask someone.
He proclaims that even though it sounds easy because it’s straightforward, it’s very hard to answer. He explains, “It’s intellectually difficult because the knowledge that everyone is taught in school is by definition agreed upon. And it’s psychologically difficult because anyone
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trying to answer must say something she knows to be unpopular. Brilliant thinking is rare, but courage is in even shorter supply than genius.”
Growing loyalty This strikes at the heart of entrepreneurship. When I started Light Dental
Studios in Washington state in 1997, we had six employees in an old mobile home converted to a dental office. Today, we have over 250 employees and 48 associates/specialists across 17 locations in the southern part of the state. Half of our original team still work for the company. This kind of loyalty grew through our “Hire for Life” foundational process. We treat our relationships with associates and staff almost like a marriage and aim for people who are willing to emotionally join and
DENTAL GROUP PRACTICE • MAY/JUNE 2021
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