What brushing my teeth taught me about perspectives, process and trying new things

What Cleaning My Teeth Taught Me About Perspectives, Processes, and Trying New Things

Like most people fortunate enough to have regular dental care, as the tools and techniques of teeth cleaning have improved, I’ve spent much of my adult life visiting the dentist and receiving feedback that could be summarised as, "Could do better." I couldn’t really understand why as I (mostly) followed their advice and I am a religious teeth cleaner!

I followed a systematic routine: brushing my teeth diligently for two minutes, making sure to cover all the usual spots—front, back, top, and bottom. I invested in an electric toothbrush and used those little dental brushes that are supposed to get into all the nooks and crannies. Yet, every time I went for a check-up, my dentist would tell me I was still missing areas, particularly at the back of my mouth. My score improved slightly over time, but it never quite reached the level of “great.” I began to wonder what more I could do.

Then it hit me—perhaps the problem wasn’t in my effort but in my process. I realised I had been brushing my teeth the same way for years, almost robotically, without ever questioning if there was a better method. So, I decided to shake things up.

The Power of a Simple Change

Instead of starting my brushing routine on the left side of my mouth and working my way to the right, I began in the middle. I would spend 30 seconds brushing from the middle to the edges, ensuring that I gave the back teeth the attention they needed. Then, I would start in the middle again, this time working towards the opposite side. I repeated this process on both the top and bottom rows of teeth.

The next time I visited the hygienist, I received a glowing report: “This is great. You’re doing really well!” That simple change in my routine made all the difference. By altering my process, I was able to address the areas I had been neglecting, even though I thought I had been thorough before. This small adjustment not only improved my dental health but also made me reflect on how often we stick to processes without questioning them—and the blind spots that can create.

Unexamined Processes in Business

What about all the unexamined processeses can affect other areas of life, particularly in business. We all have routines and frameworks that we follow without much thought. Whether it’s setting deadlines for the end of the week, starting projects on Mondays, or sticking to a Monday-to-Friday work schedule, these habits can become so ingrained that we stop seeing them as choices. Instead, they become default settings that dictate how we work, often without us realising it.

But what if those unexamined processes are creating blind spots? Just as I missed areas of my teeth because I was following a routine, we might be missing opportunities, overlooking inefficiencies, or failing to see new possibilities in our work because we’re too stuck in our ways.

Consider, for example, the way we structure our workweeks. Most of us automatically assume that work begins on Monday and ends on Friday. But why? What if starting a project midweek would give us more energy and focus? What if shifting deadlines to midweek instead of Friday afternoon could reduce stress and improve productivity? These are the kinds of questions we rarely ask because our processes go unchecked.

Shaking Up the Status Quo

So, how can we begin to shake things up? The first step is to recognise that our processes, however well-intentioned, are not infallible. Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the best or only way. By examining our routines and being open to change, we can uncover new ways of working that might be more efficient, more creative, or simply more aligned with our goals.

This idea is particularly relevant when it comes to diversity and inclusion. Often, the processes we take for granted can be exclusionary or alienating to those who think or work differently. If we never question our methods, we may inadvertently create environments where only certain types of people can thrive. By being open to different perspectives and new ways of doing things, we can create more inclusive spaces that value and leverage diversity.

For example, if your team always brainstorms in the same way—perhaps with the loudest voices dominating the conversation—consider changing the format. Try a silent brainstorm where everyone writes down ideas anonymously before sharing them with the group. This simple change could allow quieter team members to contribute more fully, leading to richer, more diverse ideas.

Shift Your Perspective

In the end, it all comes down to perspective. My experience with brushing my teeth reminded me that sometimes, all it takes is a small shift in how we approach a task to make a big difference in the outcome. The same is true in business. By examining and questioning our processes, we can open ourselves up to new ways of thinking and working that might reveal blind spots we didn’t even know were there.

So, I invite you to take a closer look at the routines and processes in your own business or team. What are the things you do automatically, without thinking? How might you shake them up? What new insights or opportunities could emerge if you approached a familiar task in a different way? By embracing change and being open to new perspectives, we can not only improve our own performance but also create environments where everyone has the chance to thrive.

Sometimes it’s the smallest changes that can have the biggest impact. Whether it’s brushing your teeth or leading a team, don’t be afraid to question the status quo and try something new. You might be surprised at the results.