Stick Together Leadership Team!
“A key to achieving success is to assemble a strong and stable management team.”
~ Vivek Wadhwa
Vivek’s words couldn’t ring more true. Strong communication within the management team builds security, confidence, and clear expectations.
But a single weak link? It can disrupt trust and create disconnects between departments, teams, and leadership.
Recently, a patient brought an issue to my attention—one that deserved immediate action. I appreciated their honesty and took it seriously. After investigating and speaking with the first team member involved, I recognized the gravity of the situation. From there, our leadership team came together to create a universal protocol, one we planned to present in our next team meeting. The issue would be resolved—and we were proud of how we got there.
Team Meetings Matter
We hold structured team meetings. They begin with department-specific breakouts, followed by discussions involving the full team. After our most recent meeting, it became clear that—despite our efforts—each department still planned to address the issue their own way. Different approaches, same result… right?
Wait—what just happened?
As leaders, we had evaluated the problem, identified gaps, tested a plan, and agreed on a solution. But when it came time to implement it, we missed the mark on follow-through. Our new protocol still had flaws—and inconsistencies were creeping back in.
Is Our Structure Solid?
So, where’s the breakdown in our leadership structure? It comes down to three Cs: Cohesiveness, Communication, and Consistency. This moment reminded us just how essential those elements are.
- Cohesiveness fuels self-esteem, morale, and team performance. Without it, disconnection takes over. Start with trust and transparency. Be open about strengths and areas for growth. Apologize when necessary. When leaders model this, it creates psychological safety and opens the door to constructive conflict resolution and shared accountability. That’s how you build real commitment—and results.
- Communication is the lifeline of leadership. Your team can’t succeed if they don’t know what’s expected. When you present a strategy, only to change course midstream, you create confusion and unnecessary stress. Be clear. Be direct. Give your team the information they need to thrive.
- Consistency makes your leadership reliable. It reassures your team and creates a sense of stability. Say what you mean, do what you say, and follow through—every time.
Lead with Unity
True leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about making them together. Unity in leadership means showing up as one voice, one team, with one shared vision. When the management team stands together, the rest of the office stands taller, too.
It starts behind the scenes. Before presenting any plan to the broader team, the leadership group must align—on language, expectations, and outcomes. Mixed messages create confusion, erode trust, and weaken morale. But when leaders are unified, the team feels it. They trust the process, buy into the direction, and execute with clarity.
Unity doesn’t mean we always agree—it means we respect each other enough to work through disagreement before taking action. It’s about hashing out differences privately, then showing up publicly in lockstep. That’s what creates a culture of confidence and stability.
To lead with unity:
- Collaborate on protocols before implementation
- Check in regularly to stay aligned—especially as challenges evolve
- Support one another publicly, even when it’s hard
- Present as a team—because the team will follow your example
Leadership unity is the anchor in times of change, and the engine behind consistent progress. When your leadership team is connected and cohesive, your entire organization feels it—and performs at its best.
Turning Unity Into Action
Start with a written protocol. Outline your objectives. Stay focused when discussions start to drift. And if changes are made to a joint decision, bring them back to the leadership team before implementation.
When you maintain cohesiveness, communication, and consistency, you reinforce unity within your leadership team—and that unity cascades across your entire organization. Over time, this approach doesn’t just solve problems. It strengthens your culture, sharpens performance, and builds the kind of team everyone wants to be a part of.
About the Author
Erin Andersen, MAADOM
Serving the industry now for 26 years, I started out as an ambitious dental assistant and was quick to learn the ins and outs of dentistry. I grew passionate about systems, and when well-oiled, how successful a dental practice can be. This led me to dive into team leadership and driving individuals’ passions to be the best they can be.
Once I learned this, I learned that when I take care of my team, they care for our patients, and that is what drives my passion to succeed. I currently hold my MAADOM distinction and will be working for my DAADOM.
