Strategies for Introverted Dental Office Managers to Shine Bright
Being an introverted dental office manager does not have to limit your visibility or success.
Being brilliant behind the scenes is fine, but getting noticed and recognized for your strengths is better. Becoming visible can bring new opportunities and help the trajectory of your career.
Here are strategies to try tailored to your personality:
1. Leverage Your Strengths
Introverts often excel in listening, observing, and problem-solving. Use these skills to understand your team’s needs and find efficient solutions. Come to the table with solutions to problems your team is trying to solve.
2. Develop Effective Communication Skills
While you may prefer one-on-one interactions, improving your communication skills will help you articulate your ideas effectively in team meetings or when discussing strategies with the dentist or staff. You do not have to be loud or outspoken to make your mark.
Honing your listening skills and learning to deliver thoughtful solutions and answers is far more effective for excellent communication.
3. Build Relationships
Focus on building meaningful relationships with your team members and patients. Take the time to connect on a personal level, showing genuine interest in their well-being. You can have thoughtful engagement without being the center of attention.
4. Utilize Written Communication
If speaking up in meetings feels daunting, consider communicating your ideas through emails, interoffice chatting, or notes. This allows you to articulate your thoughts more clearly and gives others time to process the information.
5. Set Aside Time for Networking
Networking does not have to involve large social gatherings. Attend smaller events or conferences where you can engage in more intimate conversations with fellow professionals in the dental industry.
Sit in occasionally on other types of group meetings to be a viable part of your community. In many cities there is an active Chamber of Commerce that can put you in touch with the happenings in your area.
6. Become an Expert in Your Field
Take advantage of your natural inclination for deep focus by becoming an expert in dental office management. Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and recent technologies. Your expertise will naturally draw attention and respect from your colleagues.
Always learning is one of the best things an individual can do for self-improvement; with AADOM there is a wealth of information at your fingertips.
7. Seek Leadership Opportunities
Volunteer for projects or committees where you can showcase your skills and leadership abilities. Your local dental association or AADOM chapter may have such opportunities. This allows you to prove your value to the practice and gain recognition for your contributions.
8. Find Your Voice
Do not be afraid to speak up and lead when you have something valuable to contribute. Practice expressing your ideas in a clear and confident manner, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Ask questions that prompt deeper thinking.
Skip the statements of self-deprecation so common with introverts, such as “I’m not too sure, but….” Instead, try a positive statement, “based on my understanding ……”
9. Take Breaks to Recharge
Introverts can feel drained by excessive social interaction. Make sure to schedule regular breaks throughout the day to recharge and prevent burnout. Stepping away for a short walk is a wonderful way to clear your head!
10. Celebrate Your Successes
Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing your contributions will boost your confidence and motivation to continue excelling in your role. Showing gratitude to others for the success of the team is a modest way to highlight the accomplishments you have led or shared in.
Remember, success as a dental office manager is not solely determined by your level of extroversion. Embrace your introverted nature and leverage your unique strengths to excel in your career.
Being visible is a necessity, but it does not come at the cost of you becoming someone you are not. Play on your inherent strengths of being an introvert and you will become the leader you wish to be.
About the Author
Catherine Maurer, DAADOM
Cathy started in her father’s practice in 1969, helping in the lab and developing X-rays the old-fashioned way. In the 55 years since, she has embraced the tremendous scientific and technological advancements in dentistry, working with her team to apply them to the benefit of the practice’s patients.
As a former Dentrix trainer and salesperson, she is keenly aware of the benefits of software-driven practice management. She recently project-managed the design and build-out of a new office facility. One, which, through the passion and quality of care provided by the entire team, was just named Best Dentist of all the practices in her hometown of Lake Oswego.
Cathy is currently VP of the Portland, Oregon DPLN, and a lifetime member of AADOM.
