Be the Leader Who Walks the Talk with a Dental Coach

As a dental coach I have learned that the business of dentistry provides unparalleled opportunities for independence, entrepreneurial leadership, teamsmanship, total control and many other choices. One of the most important of these is leadership.

At one time people proclaimed that an authentic leader was someone who would practice what they preached. Most people now say that to be a top-notch leader you should “walk the talk.”

Walking the talk is about matching your actions to your words. To be a quality leader requires you to model the behavior you want to see from your dental staff. Don’t just expect them to hear your words and fall into line. If you make a rule, don’t break it. If you design a process or method, follow it. If you want people to be a part of the team, step up and be a part of the team first. Do what you say you’re going to do. To be a better leader, one who is authentic and worthy of respect:

• Discover your vision.
• Write your vision.
• Communicate your vision to your team.
• Never compromise your vision.
• Keep your eye on the ball.
• There are no favorites on your team. Communicate equally.
• Praise often, in public and with specifics.
• Communicate what you stand for and what you don’t stand for.
• Don’t allow anything less than 100% from yourself or your team members.
• Don’t let a bad apple spoil the team. Throw it out.
• Constructive criticism is private, timely, and specific.
• Make the hard decisions.
• Do not have any business dealings or loans with your team members.
• Dress appropriately, speak well, and carry a positive attitude at all times.
• You must have respect. People do not have to like you but respect is an absolute.
• Allow staff to grab responsibility and run with it.
• Avoid “micro-managing” like the plague. Hire great staff and let them be accountable when it works and when it doesn’t.

When it comes to leadership, no shortcuts allowed. You may trip. You may even fall. A real leader gets up, brushes off the dust, and walks on. However, if you need help, you may want a dental coach to get you back on your feet.

For assistance being the best leader you can be, contact Blatchford Solutions at 866-495-7080 or visit us at www.blatchford.com. We can assist you to find your path and to walk the talk.