Dos and don'ts for leadership

Better leadership makes for better practices

Strong leadership drives practice success. Becoming a good leader is a way of thinking and acting. It is an activity based on motivation, skills, training, and specific behaviors. Dentists who are willing to spend a small amount of time focused on leadership will inevitably build better teams with lower turnover and higher efficiency.

Delegate responsibilities. Dentists cannot do everything by themselves. Many dentists who try wind up stressed, fatigued and frustrated. Levin Group recommends that leaders give people the right training so they can perform delegated tasks and perform to their potential.

Don't be a bad role model. Dental teams take their cues from the doctor. If the doctor is easily stressed by a hectic day, the team will likewise be stressed. If you expect professionalism from your team, you should be a shining example of it. During an unusually busy day, maintain your composure. Tell the team, "We can get through this." Be inspirational. The result will be a less stressful office environment.