When it comes to leadership, everyone has a unique definition and an opinion about what makes a great leader.
Some think that truly leaders are born, that they possess an intangible quality that non-leaders could never hope to grasp.
Others think that leadership comes from hierarchical structures and must be bestowed upon you.
The truth is, that leadership is a skill that can be learnt, taught, and perfected like any other.
Leadership can be cultivated in anyone that’s willing to step up to the plate. And for a dental business to truly succeed, it needs a leader that’s up to the challenge.
At the end of the day, it starts with you.
Lead Your Own Ship
There’s no better way to start your leadership journey than by looking within. But this can be a bit trickier than it sounds…
It means thinking critically and being honest about what you do well, and what needs improvement. What you’re willing to delegate, what leadership qualities you admire in others, and what your team and practice need from you.
If you expect others to follow, you must first take the lead.
Have a Vision
Charisma and confidence are compelling, but people ultimately want a leader that can create a vision and inspire them to follow it.
This means learning how to think bigger, think strategically, and think outside the box. You need to be able to engage your team with their hearts and minds, and show them the benefits of being a part of something bigger.
Embrace Challenges
No business comes without challenges. Try as we might, they’re just an inevitable part of being a business owner.
But ironically, it’s the challenges that provide the best opportunity to develop as a leader.
This is where you get to step up, do things differently, and drive results.
Do It Anyway
As much as we’d love to, we won’t always have all the information we need to make a decision. Leadership constantly requires us to make tough decisions with inadequate information, little time, and a lot of pressure.
Action can be slowed down or even paralysed by overthinking and waiting for the right conditions.
Don’t wait for things to be perfect. Take imperfect action and just do it anyway.
Set Boundaries
When we’re building a team, it can be hard to strike the balance between friendly and fiery.
Take time to work out your own style of leadership and what the best fit is for your practice, your brand, and your team.
Regardless of what you fall on, it’s best to set the boundaries and expectations clearly because you want everyone to be on the same page.
Keep Learning
Good leadership is like good oral health; it’s a lifetime’s work in progress.
The best and most inspiring leaders keep learning and make continuous development a non-negotiable part of their personal and business growth.
As you go through your leadership journey, a great idea is to keep asking yourself “what can I do to lead this ship better?”
If you and your team keep revisiting this question, you can’t help but be successful!
