Do's and don'ts for leadership: Bring your 'A' game to the practice every day

If your practice were a basketball team, you would be both the head coach and the star player. As such, you've got to motivate your staff members with your words and also your actions. If you've had a terrible commute one morning, you can't let that set the tone for your day. You've got to be your best self when you walk through the door. Your team, consciously and unconsciously, will model their attitude and behavior based on your example.

Be a positive force. There will always be challenges running a dental practice, but meeting them with a positive outlook motivates your team to do the same. When team members are having a bad day, be encouraging and supportive. Your kind words can help return them to a better frame of mind.

Don't let your emotions get the best of you. When faced with an adverse situation with a patient, stay calm. Listen to the other person. Try to hear what's being said and not said. Ask questions to get all the information. By keeping your cool, you'll inspire the patient to respond accordingly as well.

Roger P. Levin, DDS, is the founder and CEO of Levin Group, the leading dental practice consulting firm in North America. For the complete list of dates and locations where you can attend his latest seminar, visit www.levingroup.com/gpseminars.

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