Barbara Pearce is the Business Manager for Dental Studio. Barbara Joined the team in June 2018 and has had the pleasure of supporting both our Waterlooville and Chichester sites.
Her previous roles have included, Director of Dental Operations for a not for profit dental corporate, CQC Registered Manager for those 6 sites, Interim Director, Area Manager, Practice Manager and Registered Dental Nurse, this experience has given Barbara a wealth of experience and excellent insight into all roles within the dental field and she understands fully the complexities of providing excellent patient care whilst managing and supporting our dentists, hygienists, practice manager, nurses, reception team and support staff.
My alarm goes off at…
I’m up at 5.45am although I usually snooze for at least 15 minutes! Then I spring into action, make our first cup tea (one of many!) and discuss the day ahead with my husband and two ragdoll cats! (Yes, I am a mad cat lady!) On my travels to work I normally ring both daughters and get an update on their day ahead and of course, an update on my grandchildren. These family calls are essential for me so I know all is good for all before I focus on my working day.
I’m currently responsible for…
Ensuring an excellent service is delivered to our patients with the team! Supporting our staff across both sites covering, HR management, payroll, recruitment, marketing and social media, event planning, external contracts arrangements, management reporting, quality control auditing and day to day running of our Waterlooville site.
I work closely with our principle dentists, all members of the team across both sites and our CQC registered managers to ensure that we remain focused on excellent service delivery as well as meeting our regulatory compliance needs.
How many people do you manage?
I am responsible for 21 team members across both sites. I directly manage 15 team members.
What’s top of your to-do list today?
Top of my list today is to work on our ‘Implant Event’ planned for November and prepare the implementation plan to ensure the event is a success. Our whole team will be involved in the process, everyone has a part to play! This will be one of many future events to showcase the amazing treatments we can offer our patients.
What’s the biggest challenge of being a line manager in your work area?
As a manager there are many areas of focus so it is essential to prioritise and plan the key areas for the day. Your plans can change quickly so essential to be able to effectively manage this change go with the flow of the day.
How do you get the most out of your team and keep them motivated?
I am so fortunate to line manage and be part of a fantastically talented team. I have always strived to be a fair, open and approachable manager, ultimately, we are here to improve and change the lives of patients and working alongside a team who share the same passion is a privilege. I always aim to communicate regularly with the team to ensure that they are included and are aware of any developments. Regular communication is key!
We also have weekly & monthly team meetings where everyone gets the opportunity to celebrate success, raise concerns and talk through challenges. I have been proud to be part of witnessing our team thrive as individuals and grow as a team, I am so proud of how they have all come together and have each other’s back no matter how tough our day jobs sometimes are.
What one thing would make your managerial role easier?
Have a PA again! No, seriously, when each individual team member takes full responsibility in their own role this greatly supports any manager and the business greatly.
The most rewarding part of my job as a manager is …
Meeting and listening to our patients personal journeys, we can and do make such a difference to the lives of our patients. The transformation for some of them and the reason behind why they made a decision to go through treatment, has had me and them in tears on many occassions! Happy tears of course! I am privileged to hear and be part of this.
Supporting and empowering each team member as they strive to deliver excellence to our patients. Seeing how passionate each individual is within their role.
Do you have a proudest moment of being a line manager?
I have to say, I have had so many proud moments, I keep in contact with many of my former colleagues I used to manage and get to know that they have accomplished their ambitions and progressed in their careers. From dentists purchasing their own business, nurses or receptionists becoming successful managers or developing their post graduate skills, trainee nurses becoming registered nurses. My previous team of managers had all successfully passed their Level 5 in management just after I had left and invited me to their graduation to celebrate their achievement!
One colleague in particular stands out to me, I was part of training her as a dental nurse, over 18 years ago, I have encouraged and watched this young lady grow, in a variety of dental roles throughout her career. She is now the owner of her own successful dental business and we regularly talk through the new challenges and successes she now faces.
As a line manager I have worked with some amazingly talented people and it’s always such a pleasure to see them develop and grow.
I always try to ensure that I give time to staff that I directly line manage or who ask me to support, mentor or coach them as without this in my own career, I would not have got to where I am now.
What’s the best management advice you’ve ever received?
That management and leadership is a constant learning process and it’s so important to try and manage your own resilience particularly when things get tough.
My advice for new line managers is to be human and most of all approachable. Remember you will not know everything and do not be afraid to seek advice and support yourself.
Who inspires you?
I’ve been so fortunate to have worked with some truly passionate and talented people, both clinical and non-clinical across a range of roles, grades and stages within their career. I have met so many lovely souls along the way! So I take a little inspiration from all!
Dolly & Rags. Cutest balls of fluff!
Me with my hubby and best friend!
