It is generally accepted that several important factors impact the success of the dental practice leader. Below are what I consider to be the top six.

1. Credibility
2. Vision
3. Communication
4. Motivating and Inspiring Employees
5. Managing Conflict Effectively
6. Building a Success-Oriented Culture

Consider the first factor, credibility. Do you walk the walk or merely talk the talk? You insist that your employees be ready for the morning huddle at 7:45am, but most days you don’t pull into the parking lot until 7:50am. You claim that you encourage your employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, to solve problems, and do what needs to be done. Yet, all the while you are criticizing, second guessing, and micromanaging virtually everything they do.

Do you communicate clearly and specifically? It is said that some two-thirds of employees do not know their employers’ goals or business philosophy. Open the lines of communication with your team. Express your practice goals and objectives to your staff. Encourage ongoing discussion, feedback, and problem solving from everyone.

Vision is the ability to see your practice, not where it is today, but where you want it to be when you’re done. If so, share your vision as well as your passion for achieving it. If you see the practice you want in your mind’s eye, and you share that with your team, you can develop the systems and strategies to make the vision your reality.

Motivate and inspire employees. Provide praise and support without reservation. Positive feedback and encouragement bring energy and confidence. If you are known for being the “ultimate critic” you are draining the energy from your practice and compromising the effectiveness of your team.