Life Through the Eyes of the Spouse: Part Three – Learning to Lead

Real-World Insights from Megan Schulte, MAADOM.

 

When I returned from my first AADOM conference, I was rejuvenated but harbored some regret.

  • Why had it taken me so long to find my place in the office?
  • Why did it take us so long to work on the same team?
  • How am I going to change what wasn’t working?

When I returned, one of the first things I did was write everyone personal letters complimenting something they did well. Second, I spent a little time with my team, sharing all I had learned at AADOM and my goals for our practice. Third, I stood a little taller, put my shoulders back, and decided when a decision needed to be made versus asking my husband’s opinion first.

I read books about how to lead others. I love anything written by Brene Brown, Jon Gordon, Jon Acuff, and Mel Robbins. Their thoughts on vulnerability and positivity have changed my view on leadership. I learned to trust myself. If I made a mistake, I made a mistake. Hey—leaders make mistakes, too!

Building a Practice and Strengthening a Partnership

I bought in.

I bought into our work and built something to make great together. My husband is a very skilled dentist (yes, I’m partial). Watching him work and listening to him talk with his patients are some of my favorite things about working together.

It has taken a lot of hard work and uncomfortable conversations. If someone had shown me the road we would have taken to get to where we are now, I am not sure I would have said yes. But my husband is my best friend. I wanted to help him and our family. I believe there is something special about our practice because we work together.

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Dental Office Managers Keep Us Thriving

We promoted our office manager to take some of the pressure off of me.

God Bless Office Managers!!! 

I have always enjoyed working with people and making relationships, but trying to wear too many hats wasn’t fair for any of us.

Office Managers, you rock! You take a lot off our shoulders so we can have time to plan, train, and create relationships.

I know everyone on my team and something special about them. I make eye contact with them every day and tell them good morning.

Finding Purpose and Unlocking My Leadership Potential

I have come to love what I do. I love my team. Greeting our patients and getting to know them makes me smile and makes what I do have meaning. I found purpose. It makes it personal, and it makes my job more fun.

What I want our team to know is that we do the best we can. Our name is on the front door. What our patients and the community think of us matters. It all matters.

Here is what I have learned about myself. I would not challenge myself unless it were asked of me. I had superpowers inside, but I may have never known they were there if I wasn’t asked to show them.

I have come to want to make myself better and grow into a leader. I am grateful for the support of my husband, David, our team, and my AADOM family.

Without these people, I wouldn’t be the leader I am today. If I can do this this, anyone can!

We still experience ups and downs in our practice, but know we won’t die because we’re still here! I have learned that you can’t make everyone happy, so stop trying. We all have to find our way to be happy.

David and I are on the same team, and our team sees it. The most complex challenge for us is maintaining a consistent team. The workforce has drastically changed, and turnover in the dental field is very high.

Where is your dentist? 

They are dedicated to the practice they own and won’t leave. I remember realizing everyone at our team meeting could go, but David and I own this joint. We can’t leave. We better do this right!

“A manager lights a fire under people; leaders light a fire in people.”
—Kathy Austin

Be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 2 if you missed them.

 

Empower Your Dental Office Manager by Accessing Our Training Tools.

 


About the Author

 

Megan Schulte, MAADOM

Megan Schulte has worked in the dental field for eight years. Her knowledge of people and the industry has grown tremendously over the years. She works alongside her dentist husband in their practice, Schulte Family Dentistry.

Megan graduated from Kentucky Wesleyan College in 2003 with a degree in social work. She has been married to her husband, David, for 18 years, and they share 3 children. She loves to be surrounded by her friends, family, and a good book.

She was inducted as an AADOM Fellow in 2021 and a Master in 2024.

 

AADOM member holding up AADOM logo sign with caption: Become an AADOM Author!

 

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