Biting Off More Than You Can Chew: The Art of Delegation
Delegation is a very scary word for some people, and in a busy dental office, biting off more than you can chew isn’t just a saying. One of the definitions of delegation is “the process of distributing and entrusting work to another person.”
I’m still trying to perfect delegating, and over time, I have learned it is not an easy task. Transitioning into a leadership position, I have learned a lot about myself both professionally and personally.
When I hear the word “micromanager,” I cringe. Never in a million years would I ever put myself in that category – boy, was I wrong! I have learned that I indeed was a micromanager, but in the sense that if something wasn’t getting done correctly, I would take on that task and complete it myself daily because it was quicker than taking the time to train.
If you have ever thought this, you are not alone!
I am going to share some tips that have helped me learn how to be okay with delegating tasks to free up some of your schedule to help you focus on larger tasks that need to get completed. Delegating doesn’t have to be intimidating; it just requires the right approach, clear communication, and a whole lot of trust.
Tip # 1: Difference Between Delegating vs. Demanding
There is a fine line between these two words. Delegating in my mind is “I have so much on my plate, and I know you are capable of completing this; I can really use your help”.
Demanding is “I’m your leader, I am above you, and you will complete this or else we will have to take corrective action”.
When you demand something from your employees, you will create a very toxic environment, which in turn will create even more issues that you will have to manage.
But when you delegate tasks properly, it’s amazing how your team, in return, will trust you and show you the same loyalty you’ve given them.
Tip # 2: Be Open to Failure
Nobody is perfect; every day we learn something new.
As a leader, you need to be open to failure, but you need to help your team grow from it and not live there. Knowing and having faith in a team member to take on a new task is very stressful for both parties. Your team member is not going to want to let you down, but you have to instill in them that it is okay if it takes some time for them to learn this task.
Making mistakes is, in my mind, the best way to learn, because you will never make that mistake again. Using that mistake as a coaching moment, but still being positive, will also help your team members have faith and trust in you as a leader.
It truly is a two-way street – ultimately, everyone is there to benefit the business and help it grow. You have to be able to lift one another up when they are down.
Tip # 3: Delegating is NOT a Downfall
You may think that if you delegate a task to someone, that you are incapable of completing everything on your plate. You are not a failure in your role; you are only one person!
You cannot be everywhere at once and complete everything for everyone – it is impossible. I know this because I thought I was superhuman and attempted to do it!
You will not only overload your schedule, but you will also miss out on valuable learning and growth opportunities. You will get burnt out very quickly, and when there is burnout, there is negativity.
Lean on your team, learn their strengths and weaknesses. You’ll be surprised when you have the right people on your team, how willing they are to help where and when necessary.
Why Delegation is Essential for a Thriving Dental Team
Effective delegation is not a luxury; it is necessary in the dental office. When responsibilities are shared, the entire team will benefit and operate more effectively. Burnout will become less likely to happen, and, of course, our patients will get the quality care they deserve.
Take the time to learn how to let go of the urge to “do it all”, and really focus on strengths of your team members to help them grow professionally and personally. Sure, you will think you could do it all – if you had three clones, 48 hours in a day, and no need for sleep.
You wouldn’t ask your Dentist to call for an insurance breakdown – so don’t ask yourself to do the work of an entire team.
About the Author
Nicole Sperone, DAADOM
Nicole is an office manager at Clermont Family Dentistry, with 8 years in the industry. Her passion was in dental assisting, but she soon learned her potential and grew into dental management.
She enjoys spending time with her family and also helps students achieve their Dental Assistant Certificates while working at The Dental Education Institute on the weekends.
Nicole is a proud member of the American Association of Dental Office Management and earned her FAADOM in 2023, her MAADOM in 2024, and achieved her DAADOM in 2025.
