How do you get your team to become leaders in the practice? By encouraging team members to come up with solutions themselves instead of answering their questions, Levin said in the latest episode of Dental Practice Made Simple.

"The easiest way to answer a question from a team member is to tell that person exactly what you want them to do," he said. "But it's counterproductive because every time you answer a question, you're teaching that team member: Come to me -- I will answer your question."

To change this dynamic, it's crucial for dentists to encourage team members to ask fewer questions and make more decisions. One way to do this is simply to respond with another question to get the team member's opinion.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to begin to ask questions of people to help them think through decisions," he said.

Learn more about how to encourage leadership and gracefully accept the inevitable mistakes in the video below.

Dr. Roger P. Levin is CEO of Levin Group, a leading practice management and marketing consulting firm. To contact him or to join the 40,000 dental professionals who receive his Practice Production Tip of the Day, visit LevinGroup.com or email rlevin@levingroup.com.

The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.

Dental Practice Made Simple: The children-only hygienist
If you have a larger practice that sees enough children, it might be worth hiring a dedicated hygienist to perform cleanings specifically for kids, according...

Dental Practice Made Simple: Do you need to hire an associate?
Do you need to bring in an associate? For many dentists, the answer is no, explains Dr. Roger P. Levin in the latest episode of Dental Practice Made Simple....

Dental Practice Made Simple: Accelerated scheduling
Want to increase production while reducing stress and fatigue? Then accelerated scheduling may be the right solution for you, according to Dr. Roger P....

Dental Practice Made Simple: Lead with appreciation
Almost every aspect of dentistry has become more complex than when Dr. Roger P. Levin was actively practicing. But one thing that doesn't have to be is...

Dental Practice Made Simple: New patient scheduling
A practice should see a new patient within seven to 10 days of that first phone call, says Dr. Roger P. Levin in the latest episode of Dental Practice...