| Add RSS Feed

September 12, 2008

By Stephanie Houseman, DMD

Question: Teamwork in the dental office is critical for the success of the practice, yet sometimes I feel the dentist as boss/owner is forgotten. She, too, is an integral player in teamwork. What do you consider to be the qualities of a good boss?

Answer: Being a good boss is paramount to keeping exceptional employees and maintaining a viable dental practice. What makes a great boss? I've listed 15 qualities.

1. The boss must get her ego out of the way. When the boss knows it all, acts like she knows it all, and blames others for the failings in the office, trouble brews. She must accept personal responsibility for what happens in the office because after all, she is the owner. She must be able to admit her mistakes and give up the claims that she is always right. Team members and patients appreciate a dentist who is authentic, not one who thinks the world revolves around her.

2. She must be a hands-on boss and a team player herself. She cannot stay on her ego trip nor can she keep her distance on the sidelines. She must be willing to roll up her sleeves and assume any job that she gives an employee to do. Remember the TEAM concept — together everyone achieves more, and that includes the boss.

3. She must delegate properly. The owner must give each of her team members the job that suits them the best, and she must give them specific job descriptions. How else can she expect them to perform their A-game? Then, she must get out of the way and trust her employees to get the job done well. Play upon the team's strengths by assuring they are in the right positions.

4. To that end, the owner/boss must also provide clear direction to her employees — what is expected of them and what they can expect from her. Everyone must be on the same page to minimize surprises and conflicts.

5. A great boss wants her employees to shine. She encourages and stretches them to be the best that they can be. She supports them in their professional and personal development and creates a learning environment where they can achieve their full potential.

6. She must not try to be all things to all people and compromise who she is in the process. She must stay true to her values and keep her vision in sight, always.

7. A great boss must be open to change. If she keeps doing things the same way, she'll keep getting the same results. The practice will become stale. She must be open to new ideas, new challenges, and new directions in order to keep the practice on top. Innovation should be encouraged.

8. She must be able to make timely decisions. A waffling boss can be seen as weak and unsure of herself. This is especially important in removing toxic employees and patients from the practice quickly if she is to be respected in the eyes of her employees.

9. Employees and patients will find it difficult to believe in a dentist who lacks self-confidence. Fake it till you make it, if you must.

10. A great boss is a great communicator. She says what she means and means what she says. Her door remains open to encourage the exchange of ideas and connection with those around her, and she is able to manage conflict, not avoid it.

11. Listening skills in a great boss are highly developed. She gives her undivided attention to the conversation at hand and listens first to understand.

12. She must appreciate her team for who they are and what they do. Furthermore, the appreciation must be random, intermittent, and variable. Be creative. The reinforcement of positive behavior is incredible and will encourage your employees to take pride in their work and play their A-game.

13. It is critical that no one be allowed to bring their baggage to work, boss and employees alike. Do not bring baggage from the past, the night before, or the baggage you're worrying about for the future. There is no room for it in the workplace, and no one wants to hear about it anyway. You can check it at the door, or better yet, put your baggage in the garbage.

14. A great boss has integrity and surrounds herself with others who have integrity.

15. A great boss has a great attitude. Your employees are looking to you to set the tone every day.

Most anyone can be a boss. However, it takes these special qualities to be a great boss and create a workplace that will flourish. How well do you measure up?

To follow an ongoing discussion in the PennWell Dental Community, click here.

© 2008 Stephanie Houseman, DMD

Stephanie Houseman, DMD, is the incoming president of the American Association of Women Dentists. She has practiced dentistry in St. Louis for 25 years. Dr. Houseman is married to a dentist, has two grown children, and understands all too well the demands we place on ourselves. Through her speaking, writing, and coaching, she now helps dentists and other professionals discover how to have more joy and more life in their life. She is a graduate of the Coaches Training Institute, creator of the 7 Steps 2 A Balanced Life Program™, author of "The Balance Beam," a weekly e-newsletter about balance and life, and the author of "Rings Around the Collar," her first book. Reach Dr. Houseman at www.7steps2abalancedlife.com or (618) 639-5433.

"A good boss makes his men realize they have more ability than they think they have so that they consistently do better work than they thought they could." — Charles Erwin Wilson

| Add RSS Feed