Passion
In dentistry, effective leadership is essential. Being a good and positive leader is not something that can be faked, but can be achieved through having PASSION.
People, Approach, Smile, Support, Influence, Overcoming, and Never Quit. Each letter represents what you can do or remember to help keep your leadership positive and effective.
P is for People: People Are the Heart of the Practice
A good leader understands the importance of managing a positive environment where all team members feel valued and empowered.
I always strive to motivate my team members to excel in their roles by building strong relationships. Recognizing the unique personality and skills each individual brings to the table helps to give them what they need to grow in their roles.
A is for Approach: Your Approach is Your Brand
Developing an approach that is authentic to you is crucial. Whether you prefer a leadership style that is hands-on, collaborative, or directive, you must always be authentic. Always fail forward and be willing to adapt as needed.
Your approach also includes your ability to be approachable. Being available to your team to hear their needs and ideas is essential.
S is for Smile: Smiles Create Positive Experiences
Have you ever noticed how a smile can make your day better?
You can use this simple step to brighten patients’ and team members’ days. A smile can be heard in your voice, creating warmth and approachability. This helps to build trust with people in your office and enhances the experience of everyone you come into contact with, whether they’re a patient or team member.
Smiles are contagious, so pass them along!
S is for Support: A Good Leader is Always Supportive
Providing teams with the confidence, training, and information needed to succeed is as necessary to growth as water to a flower. There are many ways to show your support. These include creating consistency for the team, ensuring their ideas and concerns are heard, and sharing knowledge to help them grow. Tailor your support to each individual’s needs. If you put in the work, you will see your team blossom.
I is for Influence: Always Be a Good Influence
Being a leader in the practice isn’t a 9 to 5 position. Teams need to know you are authentic, and what you do outside of work can also affect how the team sees you.
By having high ethics, personal integrity, and serving the community, you are continually showing your team members that you are a leader they would be proud to follow.
Show the team that you are continually investing in yourself and them, by bringing them along to CE training courses to help reignite their passion for the field as well. Everything you do or say is potentially influencing your team.
O is for Overcoming: You Lead the Way in Overcoming Challenges
Inevitable challenges you will face as a leader can set the tone for the office. Being calm under pressure and communicating during chaos is a necessary skill in dental leadership. Building your team up during difficult times promotes assurance that you are committed through the best of times, and the worst of times.
You have the power to create an environment where everyone wants to pitch in to help overcome challenges.
N is Never to Quit: Goals Are Achieved When You Never Quit Trying
In our roles, we can’t walk away; we must find a way. Being the first person to step in when a situation becomes difficult is uncomfortable, but showing resilience in these times is an opportunity to show your team unwavering support.
When your team sees that you aren’t giving up on them, this encourages them to not give up on you as well. Never quit bringing your team members along with you as you grow.
PASSION Cannot Be Faked
Your passion shows every day in your actions. When you love what you do, your passion will spread to those around you. A good leader will ignite this spark in their team by utilizing the principles of focusing on People, Approach, Smile, Support, Influence, Overcoming, and Never quitting. When you need to reignite your passion, seek out your tribe!
AADOM can help support you on your journey to leading your dental team, while surrounding yourself with others who share the same PASSION.
About the Author
Holly Sadowski, MAADOM
Holly has worked in the dental field since 2003. Currently working as a COO for a multi-location dentist and also providing training and consulting to nearby offices as well.
She specializes in accounts receivable and communication, but enjoys helping grow all aspects of a dental office. Holly serves as the VP of the (DPLN) St. Louis Dental Connection and is on the board of a local service group where she helps pay it forward through service projects.
