Show Your Staff: Lead by Example

Not all of us are born leaders, but leadership is a skill that can be learned.  For dentists who own a dental practice, leadership is a requirement.  The success of your business lies on your shoulders, and your staff depends on you for direction.

Make no mistake.  Your staff is always observing how you behave at work.  Your mood, your comments and your attitude will be seen and mimicked by your team.  Therefore, you must lead by example.  Remember the importance of excellent customer service, and teach your staff how to provide it by demonstrating it on a daily basis with each and every patient.

Come to work with a positive attitude and treat each member of your staff with respect.  Outline a vision of where your practice is going, and share it regularly with your staff to motivate them to be a part of that vision. 

To take this concept one step further, coach your staff through informal feedback, team meetings and formal performance reviews.  Likewise, ask them for feedback.  Ask how they think you are doing in the accomplishment of your vision.   

Increasing the commitment of your staff through solid leadership is essential, but by living up to your own standards of behavior you can positively influence your staff’s performance.