Summer is one of my favorite times to coach practices.
Yes, it’s busy. Yes, the schedule is full. But it’s also one of the best opportunities you’ll have all
year to strengthen your team before the pace changes again in the fall.
One thing I’ve learned after nearly 30 years in orthodontics is this:
Leadership isn’t built during busy seasons—it’s built before it.
The practices that enter September feeling calm, confident, and organized didn’t get there by
accident. They spent the summer creating clear expectations, improving communication,
documenting systems, and investing in their people.
The best leaders don’t wait until there’s a problem to coach.
They coach before the problem ever exists.
As you head into the second half of the year, I encourage you to ask yourself one simple
question:
What is one thing I can do this month that will make my team stronger by September?
It doesn’t have to be a complete overhaul. In fact, I believe the biggest transformations happen
through small, consistent improvements over time.
This Month’s Leadership Challenge
Choose just one of these before August arrives:
- Meet one-on-one with a team member and simply ask, “How can I better support your
success?” - Update one Standard Operating Procedure your team uses every day.
- Publicly recognize someone on your team who consistently lives out your practice
values.
Small actions create strong cultures.
Strong cultures create extraordinary patient experiences.
From My Coaching Notebook
One of the things I love most about my job is that I get a front-row seat to practices all over the
country. Every office is unique, but this month I noticed a common theme.
The practices experiencing the most growth weren’t necessarily the ones with the biggest
marketing budgets or the newest technology. They were the ones where leaders were
intentionally investing in their teams.
People don’t stay because the systems are perfect.
They stay because they feel supported, challenged, appreciated, and part of something
meaningful.
Never underestimate the impact great leadership has on your practice. When you invest in your
team, you’re investing in every future patient experience, every referral, and every success story
your practice will create.
This Month’s Featured Resource
Lead, Align & Thrive: Office Management & Leadership Master Class
If leadership is an area you’d like to strengthen, I’d love to help.
Lead, Align & Thrive is my most comprehensive leadership program, created specifically for
orthodontic office managers, practice administrators, and managing doctors who want to build
confident leaders, stronger systems, and healthy, accountable cultures.
Together we’ll cover leadership development, hiring, onboarding, accountability, KPIs,
communication, operational excellence, AI integration, and the business fundamentals that
create predictable, profitable practices.
Every participant receives a comprehensive leadership handbook, live interactive training, and
three months of implementation support, because I believe the real transformation happens
after the class ends.
Kind Words from a Client
“Shelley is fantastic! Our whole team participated in the MARPE training, and there was truly
something for everyone. Shelley has fantastic treatment coordinator tips and ideas for improving
the customer experience—from the new patient call to the office tour to managing patients’
expectations during treatment. We walked away with a lengthy to-do list and were able to
implement changes the very next day that improved our workflow and patient experience. I will
absolutely be utilizing Shelley in the future for additional training. Thank you!”
— Dr. Carlin Weaver
Looking Ahead
As we enter the second half of the year, I encourage you to make leadership a priority—not just
for yourself, but for every member of your team.
The practices that experience sustainable growth aren’t built on luck. They’re built on strong
leaders, intentional systems, and a culture that inspires people to do their very best work.
Thank you for allowing Align My Practice to be part of your journey. It is truly an honor to partner
with practices across the country that are committed to growing their teams, serving patients
well, and building something extraordinary.
Wishing you a wonderful July!
With gratitude,
Shelley Bostrom
Founder, Align My Practice
alignmypractice.com
shelley@alignmypractice.com
949.329.4620