L.E.A.D
Leadership is not just one person in charge but a meticulous set of actions that carry a group toward reaching a goal. No matter what, that goal is often impossible to reach without the help of many people working together while one person gives wisdom to help guide the team.
Our culture has a lot of definitions when it comes to defining good, effective leadership. Dental offices have leaders in them; sometimes, the leader is not just a dentist. We often talk about what it means to be a leader or how to be effective; however, our culture fails to take the time to ask its audience if the definition of a true leader fits the need.
While being a leader is a unique role, one can take multiple steps to ensure one will be a leader like no other.
Learn
When we come across the word “learn,” it might seem simple and unremarkable at first glance, but let’s explore its true significance.
As office managers, when we acquire new knowledge or feel inspired by what we bring back from a conference or class, what do we do with it? Do we keep it to ourselves?
I urge you to absorb everything you can and share that knowledge with your team. We must immerse ourselves in education as much as possible and pass that knowledge to our colleagues.
When we do this, we build a well-equipped team to navigate dentistry’s ever-evolving landscape. When we learn, we ultimately grow as professionals.
Encourage
Encouragement is a beautiful concept. Words hold value, and sometimes, an encouraging message from a leader can improve the team’s morale.
As office managers, we must be intentional when encouraging our team members. Encouragement needs to be tailored; we need to do it in a way that lifts others up and makes them feel valued. This will create team members who are loyal to you and practice day in and day out.
It is recommended that leaders always encourage their teammates, not just when there are times of conflict or struggle.
Leaders who wait for an issue in their practice to arise before reassuring someone who may feel underappreciated or undervalued do not meet their teammates’ needs. Start small and make a daily goal to find one thing each day to encourage and share with your coworkers.
Ask
Asking for help during tough times is not just a job for the clinicians and front desk personnel. A good leader will take the time to ask if everything is intact to complete the task at hand.
Asking questions is important because it helps to ensure the dental team feels they have everything they need to do their job well. If we do not ask, there is a chance we will not know what others need because we are not invested in their success.
It takes a small amount of time and intentionality. Still, it reduces the number of interruptions throughout the day because you have been proactively inquiring into your teammates’ wants, guaranteeing your team has what they need.
Delivery
The last one in this acronym is the most important. The delivery concept of leadership involves keeping promises to your teammates. This will foster trust and a great culture within your team. If you do not deliver, it has the opposite effect on your team.
When leaders fail to maintain their promises to their audience, they can end up with people who don’t trust them and fail to report issues because they feel like their leader cannot help them address them.
We must ensure that when we say we will do something, we do it well and promptly.
Every day, dental team members step into their practice. Everyone should take action to help the team to succeed.
Like the old saying, “There is no ‘I’ in TEAM,” without the entire team, the dental office cannot complete its goals.
When the L.E.A.D method is applied, patient and employee satisfaction is met. The overall experience for the patient is seamless because employees feel supported by their leadership and, thus, are happier performing their jobs.
When leaders truly L.E.A.D., the potential is endless.
About the Author
Zachary Shelley, MAADOM
Zachary Shelley’s transition from a professional skateboarder to a dedicated dental office manager is truly inspiring. His passion for growing dental practices and building strong teams is evident in his work with Satellite Family Dentistry and Beachside Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. In addition, he founded the Dental Office Manager Leadership Network Inc.
Zachary was inducted as an AADOM Fellow in 2022 and Masters in 2024. Dentistry has allowed him to use his skills to help grow two successful practices and build an amazing dental team.
Zachary has been in the dental field for over 15 years and, throughout that time, has followed his passion for excelling in the practice he works for and motivating his dental teammates. In his free time, he loves to spend time with his wife and three boys.
