10 Ways the Dental Practice Manager can be an Exceptional Leader

The first lesson in any dental practice manager course should be leadership. The success of everything that comes after this will depend on the quality of your leadership. You will need to inspire, empower, train and manage your team. You need them to help you fulfil your goals, to implement strategies, maintain systems and operations.

A practice that has an effective and influential leader is in optimal condition to do great things.

Here are the 10 qualities and skills every PM can aspire to:

1. You share the Vision of the business. You have a clear direction and can show your staff their role in it. You can see the big picture and are able to communicate it to your team regularly.
2. You have people-centred skills. You ask questions and you listen to what people say – whether you agree or not. You also give your team members some autonomy to make choices. This has a positive impact on their growth personally and within your practice. You have good communication skills to be able to interact with your team effectively.
3. You can lead through a crisis. During extremely troubling times or problematic situations, you can take the lead and steer the team towards results. You can be assertive and direct without being overbearing or creating unnecessary fear.
4. You can share the decision-making process. You give your team opportunities to work together to find solutions and get involved. You provide the support and training to enable this. Sharing information about the business side of practice such as production numbers, helps employees to understand how their job roles and their actions influence the bottom line which in turn, helps them make better decisions. You share accountability and not micro-managing daily tasks.
5. You promote positivity. By using positive reinforcement, nurturing and praising where appropriate; you build the morale and drive of your team. Having positive relationships with your staff can improve loyalty. Look out for stress and negativity in order to address and combat it.
6. You have the skills to coach your team. You value education, training and development and you ensure this is delivered to your team. You employ people who are willing to learn and grow from your mentorship and from other staff.
7. You are honest. No fakes here. You may not be the best leader (yet) but you show you are working hard to reach this goal. By letting people see the real you, you can grow unimpeded by the fear of what others may think of you.
8. You value everyone. Not just the senior figures in your business. You know the efforts all employees matter and need to be appreciated. Steri nurse, hygienist, window cleaner or highest earning clinician – everyone contributes to your success. You take time to express your thanks and appreciation.
9. You are fun. You understand that a sense of fun (where appropriate of course) in the workplace creates a relaxed and happier atmosphere. A fun and joyful vibe through the practice enhances the experience for both patients and staff. You know that constant seriousness and a dreary atmosphere effects morale and productivity.
10. You are committed to growing You. You understand the process of becoming a better leader is continual. You take part in training and development to gain and improve all the skills required to ensure that you become the type of person your business needs to succeed. You also know that your own physical, mental and emotional health is important, and make time for regular self-care.

Self Assessment:

1. Which of these qualities do you feel you already possess and demonstrate in your role?
2. Which qualities resonate with you in particular? Why are they important to you?
3. Which would you like to learn and develop? How will you do this?
4. Which have you been told you lack? Has there been an instance this has cause an issue?
5. Create an action plan to work on the areas you feel necessary.

Would you like to learn more about leadership for the dental practice manager? As an ADAAMA member you have free access to Aspire2d’s Introduction to Leadership short course and you can receive a certificate of completion.