Whether they embrace the role or not, dentists are the leaders of their practices. Good leaders inspire their teams to higher performance and are rewarded with a more successful practice. Developing stronger leadership skills results in a more productive, less stressed practice.
Empower your team. As much as possible, foster a spirit of collaboration. Create opportunities for staff members to make decisions on their own. Give your team members room to "save the day" with their own initiative or problem-solving abilities. Provide support and encouragement throughout the day.
Don't minimize accomplishments. Reward successes with praise or special gifts. Share the practice's triumphs by holding employee dinners or fun events. Emphasize that practice growth is a team victory that you've all accomplished together.
