 |
 |
 |
Dental Practice Management Articles 5 Qualities of a Great Business Leader Written by: Anita Jupp © Copyright. ADEI. All rights reserved. |
It takes more than good clinical skills to build a successful and profitable dental practice. The key factor to practice success is always the leader. In this age of competition and consumerism, you really need to stand out as a leader to build a practice that will attract top quality patients and the revenue they bring.
Communication
Top leaders are communicators. They know what they want and they are able to share their vision and their action plan with their team. They have answers. Communicators are able to clearly express their business plans and delegate responsibility to the team to get things done. They follow up and provide feedback and assistance where needed but they don't stand in the way and micro-manage.
Great communication skills not only involve talking, but listening too. A top leader must be willing and able to hear ideas and suggestions from the dental team and not dismiss them out of hand. A leader knows that ideas can come from any team member and is willing to provide the opportunity for others to present their thoughts.
Creativity
Top leaders think outside of the box. They don't need to conform to rigid perceptions of practice building. They are able to look at what works for other service industries and apply it to their own practice. They don't dismiss ideas out of hand just because no one else has done it before or it's unusual. But they do carefully weigh the pros and cons of each idea before proceeding.
Fairness
Strong leaders are fair people. They don't jump to conclusions with staff or patients. They are willing to listen and hear people out. When people are treated fairly and with respect, they will be more dedicated to your business. Respect and fairness breeds' loyalty.
Top leaders conduct themselves in a respectable manner and always choose the path that is ethically correct.
Assertiveness
Assertiveness is a must for any top leader. A leader must be willing to lead and that includes directing people and budgets. Leaders must not be afraid to let people know what needs doing and then follow up and make sure it all gets done. Great leaders aren't bossy and demanding, but they are clear that they want tasks done and done properly. They make sure that their people are responsible and accountable by only hiring the best.
Top leaders are also passionate! They know what they want for their business and they positively share that vision to make things happen.
Dedication
Above all, top leaders are truly dedicated. They know what they want and they are willing to work hard to get it. They are willing to work hard to achieve their goals….
Top leaders know their business inside and out. They read, the attend continuing education programs and they watch what the competition is doing. They are well aware that dentistry is a business and a commodity and they make it a point to know their business inside and out.
"You cannot be a leader, and ask other people to follow you, unless you know how to follow, too." Sam Rayburn
Business success isn't dependant on luck; it comes with hard work, knowledge, creativity and dedication. A positive attitude and a willingness to share your vision with your team, along with a great business plan of course, are key ingredients to successful practice building in dentistry. Be passionate and dedicated, be strong and clear.
"Strong-minded, resolutely willed, you can create out of nothing a great business, a huge empire, a New World. Others have and they have no monopoly." Charles Bristol