Leadership Lessons from My First Office Manager Role
I vividly remember the day I was asked to become the office manager for our periodontal office.
At the time, I had no managerial experience whatsoever. I was equal parts scared and honored. The position was brand new for the practice, and there were no training guides or manuals to rely on—it was uncharted territory for all of us.
Despite my initial doubts, I embraced the challenge and dove headfirst into the office manager world. Having spent nearly 20 years in dentistry, I realized I still had much to learn in this new role.
I had often heard that stepping into a leadership position in an established office could be challenging, with resistance from team members being a common hurdle. But I was determined to succeed. I leaned on my dental network for support, sought resources, and created my own roadmap for success.
Here are the key steps I took to become the best office manager I could be:
Prioritizing Personal Growth
I immersed myself in leadership content, listening to podcasts and reading books.
One book that truly resonated with me was Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek. Its core message stuck with me: great leaders take care of their people. This inspired me to create a supportive and safe environment where my team felt comfortable coming to me for help or advice.
I also introduced performance incentives to motivate and reward their hard work.
Building Trust
I’ve worked in dental offices where trustworthy leadership was lacking, and I knew that wasn’t the type of leader I wanted to be.
I made it a priority to be dependable and approachable—someone my team could count on.
I also committed to weekly one-on-one check-ins with each team member, including our doctors, to ensure open lines of communication and alignment on goals.
Leveraging AADOM Resource
Although I had been a member of AADOM (American Association of Dental Office Management) for a while, I hadn’t fully explored its vast online resources. Once I did, I was amazed by the wealth of tools available.
The templates, training videos, and leadership modules became instrumental in my journey. These resources not only helped me develop professionally but also provided practical solutions I could implement immediately in our office.
One of the most valuable aspects of AADOM is the connection to other dental leaders. Having access to a network of experienced professionals has been incredibly beneficial for brainstorming ideas and overcoming challenges. I particularly appreciated the leadership modules, which emphasized the importance of consistent communication with my team.
Team Collaboration
I made it my mission to create a workplace that prioritized both productivity and positivity. I invested time in attending conferences and learning about platforms that could streamline workflows and improve efficiency.
With the support of my incredible doctors and team, we worked together to make our office stand out in the periodontal field.
Celebrating Collective Success
The transformation of our office wouldn’t have been possible without the support and encouragement of my team. They believed in me, cheered me on, and were open to the changes we implemented together. Because of their trust and collaboration, our office has grown in remarkable ways, and I’m proud to say we’re now recognized as one of the best in the industry.
Taking on a leadership role can be daunting, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to grow and make a positive impact.
My journey as an office manager has taught me that success starts with communication, trust, and a willingness to learn. By investing in your team and utilizing resources like those from AADOM, you can create an environment where everyone thrives—your team, your practice, and your patients.
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