South’s Greatest Bosses 2021: Dr. Stephanie Sweeney ~ Savannah Dental
Dr. Stephanie Sweeney, dental professional at Savannah Dental, maintains a team mentality on her staff as she says, “We would not be anything without our amazing team.”
Photo by Blake Crosby
Dr. Stephanie Sweeney, dental professional at Savannah Dental, maintains a team mentality on her staff as she says, “We would not be anything without our amazing team.” She believes a key element every great boss must have is letting the team do their job. Trying to micromanage your staff will make both you and your team fall into a frenzy. Being understanding of them and accepting that perfection is the enemy of good will be better overall for the group. Finally, Dr. Sweeney encourages her team to help each other and build one another up. This way, if the team is happy, then the patients are happy.
South Magazine: What is your “boss philosophy?” Or leadership philosophy?
Dr. Stephanie Sweeney: It is so important to always work as a team. Savannah Dental would not be anything without our amazing team.
SM: What is one key skill that makes a great boss that you wish you’d learned or mastered sooner?
SS: Hire amazing and talented people—and then, get out of the way! While you need to be kept aware of some things, you need to let your team do their job. You can’t try to micromanage; it’s important to be understanding when team members make a mistake. None of us are perfect—“Permission to Screw Up” is a great book I’ve read that helped me learn this!
SM: What is one important lesson you’ve learned since becoming a boss?
SS: People say it takes a village to raise a child, and I would say it takes a team to build a great business. Surrounding yourself with people who excel where you may struggle is vital. Creating and maintaining a cultural standard is key. We create a positive team environment. If everyone enjoys their job and works to help each other and build each other up, then we will be a great office. Happy team members create happy patients—positivity grows exponentially to everyone you interact with.
SM: How would you describe your team?
SS: At Savannah Dental, we hire people based on our core values. Everyone is service driven, maintains personal values, embraces and drives change, pursues growth and learning, is open and honest, is positive, humble and environmentally mindful.
SM: How does somebody become a “better boss?” What is your advice for a new boss?
SS: Be supportive but encourage people to think for themselves. Place rules and structure but allow them to be bent. Compliment on great work more often than you criticize.
Savannah Dental
912.355.8821
savannah.dental
To read this story in its entirety, subscribe now to the print edition for the full article or get instant access to our interactive digital edition.
