The Power of Influence

The acceptance of personal responsibility for ones’ conduct and influence on the workplace has a very real and powerful impact on the overall success of a dental practice.  This influence in and of itself can hold a practice back or propel a practice forward. 

Through our attitudes, communication and behavior, each staff member plays a central role in the process of either contributing to or detracting from the dental work environment and realization of goals.  There is no neutral influence.

Realizing a healthy and productive work environment involves all staff members accepting personal responsibility for the quality of their working relationships and the influence of their conduct (attitude, communication and behavior) on the workplace.

Leadership and self management are synonymous.  Practicing the attributes of leadership leads to greater personal freedom and satisfaction for all staff members.

“Example is not the main thing in influencing others; it's the only thing.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Albert Schweitzer

Leadership and Self Management

The opportunity for leadership in your practice is not restricted by anyone’s position or decision making authority.  Leadership represents an opportunity for all staff members to grow as individuals and contribute value to the workplace.

Key attributes of leadership and self management include:

• The ability to maintain focus towards goals and objectives.
• A commitment to maintaining high expectations of self and others.
• Consistency and follow through – service and systems.
• Keeping ones' word – following through with promises or commitments.
• Acknowledgement and correction of mistakes.
• Demonstrating initiative - solving problems vs. complaining or waiting for others to fix them.
• Demonstrating honesty and responsibility in dealing with issues or concerns.
• Acceptance of personal responsibility for ones’ conduct and influence on the workplace.

10 Things a Leader Shouldn't Do

1.     Not Follow Through With Promises, Commitments and Responsibilities
2.     Cut Corners / Not Pay Sufficient Enough Attention to Detail
3.     Chronically Loose Composure, Overreact or Demonstrate Moodiness
4.     Shuffle Responsibility for Mistakes and Blame Others
5.     Feel Victimized by Situations or Circumstances
6.     2^nd Guess the Intentions, Integrity or Commitment of Others
7.     Allow Issues, Concerns Or Problems To Escalate Into Conflict
8.     Engage in Gossiping, Sub-grouping or Making Others Wrong
9.     Attack Others Under the Premise of Being Honest and Telling the Truth
10.   Refrain from Telling the Truth Because It Is Risky To Do So

"Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody expects of you. Never excuse yourself."

                                                                                          Henry Ward Beecher

Leadership and Self Management are Synonymous

Practicing leadership leads to greater freedom and personal satisfaction.  Along with greater freedom and personal satisfaction comes greater responsibility.  Key attributes involved with demonstrating leadership and self management in the dental workplace include:

• Maintaining high expectations of self and others.
• Modeling consistency and follow-through.
• Acknowledgement and correction of mistakes.
• Acting honestly and responsibly when dealing with issues and concerns.
• Accepting personal responsibility for ones conduct and influence on the workplace.

The acceptance of personal responsibility for ones conduct and influence on the workplace has a very real and very powerful impact on the overall success of a dental practice.  This influence in and of itself can hold a practice back or propel a practice forward.

These attributes contribute value to the dental workplace and cannot be dictated as a condition of employment. They are learned and are most powerful when aspired to for their own intrinsic value.

"The most dangerous myth about leadership is that leaders are born.  That’s nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true.  Leaders are made rather than born."
                                                          

                                                                                  Warren Bennis

The Changing Role of Leadership

The model of “leadership from the top” is based upon a system of authority, power and control that has exhausted its value and is predisposed to producing mediocre results.

In order for dental practices to be truly successful (provide healthy and productive work environments and high standards of treatment, service and care to patients), leadership is required at all levels of a practice.  Leadership is no longer the sole responsibility of the dentist, office manager or other staff members who have decision making authority.

The opportunity for leadership is not restricted by ones position or authority.  Leadership represents an opportunity for all staff members to grow as individuals and contribute value to the workplace.