The JFK-Inspired Hiring Manifesto

Building Your Dental A-Team by Hiring for Purpose, Not Perks.

In the world of dental practice management, your team is your most powerful growth engine. But in today’s environment—where sign-on bonuses, production incentives, and perks dominate—many practices are attracting candidates motivated by “what’s in it for me?” instead of “how can I serve?”

"Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country."

— John F. Kennedy

"You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."

— Zig Ziglar

Step 1: Redefine What You’re Hiring For

Your ideal team member isn’t just clinically competent—they’re aligned with your practice values and patient-first vision. Create an “AVATAR” for each position: Attitudes, aptitudes, and core values. Cultural fit and communication style. Ability to thrive in a team-driven environment. Pro Tip: If their first question is about bonuses, you’re probably talking to the wrong candidate.

Step 2: Use the JFK Lens in Every Interview

Ask questions that uncover a candidate’s motivation to serve: “Tell me about a time you helped someone succeed without expecting anything in return.” “How do you define success when working as part of a team?” “What part of patient care brings you the most satisfaction?” This reframes your interview from “what can we give you?” to “how can we grow together?”

Step 3: Zig Ziglar’s Reciprocity Filter

People who naturally help others elevate your practice: They focus on patients first. They support team goals without keeping score. They know that when the patient wins, everyone wins. Hiring for these traits creates a culture where loyalty thrives and financial incentives become the byproduct—not the bait.

Step 4: Candidate Screening Sidebar

5 Questions to Spot Purpose-Driven Team Members:

1. What did you enjoy most about your previous position?

2. How have you made a patient’s experience better—even when no one asked you to?

3. Tell me about the most important lesson you learned from a parent or mentor.

4. How can this position help one of your dreams come true?

5. If you had to choose between a larger paycheck and making a bigger impact, what would you choose—and why?

Step 5: Build Systems That Make Values

Real Lofty slogans like “We put patients first” mean nothing without consistent action: Regular team huddles to share patient success stories. Metrics tied to patient satisfaction, not just production. Recognition programs that celebrate service-driven behavior.

Step 6: The JFK Commitment

Just as JFK inspired a nation to rally behind a shared mission, inspire your team with why your practice exists. When you hire people who ask, “How can I help patients get what they want?”, you’ll build a team that delivers not just dentistry—but an experience patients rave about.

Ready to Build Your A-Team?

Book a 20-minute strategy call and get exclusive access to: The full JFK-Inspired Hiring Manifesto, The Candidate Screening Toolkit. A framework for building a patient-first, purpose-driven culture ■ Hop on a 20-minute call → Walk away with a plan to hire smarter, retain longer, and build an Undeniable Dental Team.

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