Some leaders are born, but most are made. So there's no excuse not to become an excellent one for your practice. The traits that make a great leader (e.g., confidence, patience, positive attitude, and vision) can all be developed and perfected over time.
Keep an open mind. Team members will be inspired if they see their leader replacing obsolete thinking with new ideas, learning better ways to run the practice as a business, and paying serious attention to team members' comments and suggestions for change. A "my way or the highway" attitude usually backfires, resulting in resentment and resistance. A leader inspires by listening, learning, adapting, and distributing credit where it belongs.
Don't forget to support and encourage the team. Clear communication and supportive coaching become more critical as the practice grows. A good leader helps individuals reach their potential. As the leader of the practice, you need to empower team members, individually and collectively, to succeed in their positions.
Roger P. Levin, DDS, is the CEO of Levin Group, a leading dental management consulting firm, and one of the most sought-after speakers in dentistry. Dr. Levin has authored 65 books and more than 4,000 articles on dental practice management and marketing. You can sign up for the Levin Group Tip of the Day.
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