))
37. Why True Culture Beats Perks Every Time
Manage episode 490334723 series 3615887
Content provided by Chase Davis and Ryan Bushman, Chase Davis, and Ryan Bushman: The Dentists Show. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Chase Davis and Ryan Bushman, Chase Davis, and Ryan Bushman: The Dentists Show or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
Welcome back to The Dentists Show! In this episode, Chase and Ryan dive into one of the most overlooked yet powerful drivers of practice success: culture. They don’t hold back, sharing real stories from their offices and peeling back what truly motivates a team—and what happens when perks take center stage instead.
Together, they explore why some teams thrive on camaraderie and service, while others seem to lose their edge even when showered with freebies. From potlucks that bring people together to the downsides of catered meals that feel more like obligations, Chase and Ryan talk about what really binds a team: shared goals, contribution, and purpose.
Ryan reflects on the deeper impact of “serving one another,” suggesting that when leaders model generosity (think home-cooked meals over take-out) it breeds a sense of pride and teamwork that money can’t buy. Chase agrees, noting that perks may feel good in the moment, but they rarely build the kind of enduring loyalty that drives long-term results.
By the end of this candid conversation, you’ll see why leaning into team culture and creating real connections will always matter more than free food or short-term incentives—and you’ll probably feel inspired to look at your own leadership through a new lens.
Key takeaways you’ll hear in this episode:
- Why offices with the most perks often have the highest turnover
- The power of potlucks and shared meals for team bonding
- Why perks can backfire without a strong underlying culture
- How serving each other raises morale and builds commitment
- How to recognize when your team feels more “entitled” than “engaged”
🎧 Hit play to listen to the full conversation, and then forward it to your team lead, your ops manager, or that front-desk MVP who’s ready to level up. Let’s grow better cultures together!
LINKS:
https://www.thedentistsshow.com
Episode Minute By Minute:
- 00:00 – Why perks don’t build culture
- 02:45 – The power of shared meals and potlucks
- 05:30 – What happens when free food feels like an obligation
- 07:50 – Serving one another as the secret sauce
- 10:15 – Why perks often backfire without real connection
- 12:35 – Creating a culture of contribution over entitlement
- 15:00 – How home-cooked meals show you care
- 17:20 – Leaders must model generosity first
- 19:45 – Turning perks into meaningful moments that last
- 22:10 – Final thoughts: Real culture drives long-term success
39 episodes
Share
