Do's and don'ts for practice leadership: Become a more decisive leader

Decisiveness is an admired leadership trait. It doesn't mean that the general or CEO makes better decisions. It simply means that he or she makes them more quickly -- without endless deliberation or hesitation.

What makes the best leaders decisive? First, they delegate all the smaller decisions. Second, they weigh the impact of a decision -- the less effect it will have, the less time they spend on it. And third, for the really big decisions, they rely on experts for advice.

Ask the golden question: Will this decision make a difference in the long run? This technique has great value because it helps you identify what can be delegated, which, you'll discover, covers most of the decisions that come up in day-to-day operations. Delegation enables you to concentrate not only on decisions that will make a long-term difference but also on performing dentistry! It's your choice -- micromanage, or increase production.

Don't challenge staff members' decisions. Delegation fosters -- but also depends on -- mutual respect. If you question every decision a team member makes, that person will soon stop deciding and start asking what you want to do. If you have issues with some decisions, provide tactful comments and coaching to help staff members do better.

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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