ASP Retreat I

Bob, I can't thank you enough for inviting me to be a part of the National Study Club. Is there anything better than a group of highly accomplished dentists sharing their best ideas and experiences, forming close friendships and bringing solutions to optimize our lives and our practices? Yes! It's being guided by one who is widely regarded as one of the great leaders of modern dentistry. Thank you for being that leader! I owe so much of my success to you and the NSC.

Since Retreat I, we have had four staff meetings and the word dentistry has yet to be mentioned! Very powerful meetings! Tears, hugs, the whole nine yards. This Wednesday, I hope to progress to writing our personal mission statements. I can tell that when dentistry is approached by the team, it will have a different angle. They have already, almost unconsciously, begun to see answers to questions through the prism of their closely held values. This path is more difficult than I had imagined. And, I'm not referring to how we practice dentistry. I feel like an ancient sailor who has sailed from port not really understanding what will happen, but sure of our direction!

Written the first year after taking the Applied Strategic Planning Series: Bob, the changes here are truly phenomenal! We are now in our beautiful new office, production and collection has risen over 50% and I swear we are not working as hard. I just stopped to listen the other day, and it is simply wonderful to hear and feel this new energy. People should be standing in line for this experience. Thank you my friend!

The Strategic Planning process gave me the opportunity and encouragement to focus on my mission and values and how I will express that with my goals. I have discovered that the course is just the beginning of an exciting, ongoing process.

I've taken many of the most famous courses/series, but your Applied Strategic Planning Series is the first time in 17 years of practice that all my team is enthusiastically paddling in the same direction. Together with your New Patient Experience Practicum, our acceptance of complete quality treatment is up more than 50%. We've never been more fulfilled and profitable!

Your Applied Strategic Planning Series helped us get ready for a big transition as my soon-to-be partner, Todd Gruen, and I prepared to take over the practice of my partner at the time, Mickey Bernstein. As you know, Mickey has had a very successful practice and is President-elect of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Todd and I were about to try to fill some big shoes. Your program helped us identify where we needed to focus and to clarify who WE wanted to be. The involvement of the whole team made this process so much more powerful. Thanks for all your help!

Applied Strategic Planning was one of five or six life-changing experiences that have had a totally positive effect on my life personally and professionally.

The quiet, facilitative environment in a retreat setting coupled with the ability to mastermind with other couples and teams made Applied Strategic Planning a life-transforming experience. Bob is an exceptional mentor who has the expertise and personality to guide individuals through this challenging process. If you commit to the work required, your personal and professional lives will be those of your dreams.

Thank you so much for the fabulous Applied Strategic Planning sessions for the International College of Dentists. I have attached the final report with the Integrated Action Plans (IAP's) that were approved by the Board of Regents last fall in San Francisco. We have updated the IAP's for our Executive review held in January; I could send you those if you wish. Please let me know too if you would also like a scanned electronic copy of the report.

It is an exciting thing to see the wheels moving forward...with a firm direction no less.

Thank  you for all the work you have done to assist us in seeing the path to becoming a better organization. It is very much appreciated.