EI not AI: The Steps to Defining YourSELF and Creating a Topnotch Team
AI is taking over our world, even in dentistry. From imaging and diagnosing to treatment planning and augmented reality, AI is helping dental professionals educate patients on their oral health needs and what modern dentistry can do for them.
On the business side, we see data analysis and administrative support as a part of how AI supports the office. A team must find what works for their office when deciding which AI services to implement. These services are expensive, so if unused or unvalued, they are not worth it.
For example, our office tried AI with our imaging, but our doctors were uncomfortable with the extra steps and how patients might respond to the technology. Currently, we are using AI to augment images for smile design and cosmetic restorations.
These images give patients a great representation of what is possible. It also provides a free way for patients to visualize and hopefully value their accepted treatment plan.
Emotional Intelligence
Although AI has proven helpful in all aspects of life, I challenge all office managers to discover Emotional Intelligence (EI) instead. Managers can elevate themselves to true leaders when they use EI as the basis of their skills.
EI is the ability to manage oneself and one’s relationships with others. Even as I read that definition, I remember how important it is to control ourselves before we can manage others.
Dental office managers must deeply dive into who we are to use knowledge to analyze the team and lead with self-awareness. Astonishingly, genuinely knowing yourself will make a noticeable difference in your day-to-day managing skills.
To understand EI, there are three steps you should take:
1. Define yourSELF
- a. Self-assessment: Identify the aspects of your identity on a personal and professional level.
- b. Self-awareness: What behaviors, emotions, beliefs, and values make you an individual?
- c. Self-knowledge: Understand your capabilities, character, and motivations.
- d. Self-acceptance: Do you embrace every part of yourself, negative and positive?
- e. Self-improvement: Have a plan to develop your capabilities and enhance your life and dreams.
2. Identify Your Sensitivity Line
Where, when, and how do you become protective or defensive? Knowing this will allow you to re-evaluate yourself when approaching the line and react more professionally.
3. Allow Yourself to Share Who You Are with Others
Gather support and feedback and disclose information to increase your skills.
Strong Teams Start with Defining Yourself First
Once you have done the work with yourself, turn to diagnosing the differences between those on the team. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each member of your team.
A truly effective manager can recognize, appreciate, and utilize the team’s differences.
Stay focused on how these differences between the team members are empowering and distinctive. Using this diversity of individuals can build the strongest team on the planet. The team may even recognize how you identified the differences and made them work harmoniously.
Learning everything you can about dentistry can change how your practice operates. However, if you want to be a leader and not just a manager, do the work with yourself first.
Dental office managers are often thrown into positions without formal management training. They know all the dental things, but managing people is no joke. EI is a way to help make a dental team work in harmony and ensure your managers are confident in themselves to lead the team appropriately.
About the Author
Brittany Allen, MAADOM
Brittany Allen is an accomplished business director passionate about creativity and leadership. Holding an MBA (and an Interior Design degree) from Baylor University, she works alongside her husband to manage a thriving multi-location private practice in East Texas.
With a keen eye for detail and a strategic business mindset, she helps lead their practice to new heights while ensuring their mission of excellent leadership in both the office and the community is always at the forefront.
Brittany enjoys traveling, playing mahjong, and hanging out with her family and cats in her free time.
