In a dental practice, the owner is typically a skilled clinic technician who must also wear the hat of the leader as well as the manager. Each of these roles requires you to master a different skill set. While the training in one area can help in the other by developing character traits of patience or determination, the main traits that set them apart are vastly different.

Some of the main traits that effective leaders have is they are able to influence others to want to get behind an idea and make an impact in others lives. If they have a positive outlook and inspire their people, they can become great leaders. They hold onto the longer vision for the business. There is no single trait that makes an individual a great leader. Leaders are responsible for challenging the employees and motivating them to make a contribution to the overall success of the organization.

Managers, on the other hand, had the task of organizing the office such that things get done efficiently and effectively. They are usually focused more on controlling the day-to-day operations and weekly goals for the business. The tools of a manager are targets, goals, standard operating procedure manuals, trackers, graphs, discipline, and incentives. They are continually planning and coordinating the tasks that the team carry out.

Leaders will direct the managers by listening to feedback, building relationships, and directing and refocusing their efforts. They focus on the bigger picture and vision of where they want to take the business. Without good leadership, work becomes a job without inspiration. Leaders need to develop good communication and listening skills, recognize achievements of the team, and recognize barriers or conflicts before they become issues. An organization can have multiple “leaders” within its ranks.

Managers need to be able to solve problems without having to run to the leader anytime there is an issue. They need to make decisions and be able to delegate tasks properly, while motivating their team to act appropriately and efficiently. Their key responsibilities include monitoring closely the efforts of the team and help keep them on track. Some key rules in management are to be consistent, be a good example, give clear communication, reward good behavior, and encourage feedback.

The culture of a business is the fundamental unseen energy that drives an organization. Going to motivational seminars and implementing novel programs to boost employee satisfaction can help, but it is the hidden fabric of the leadership and management team truly drive long-term success. Proper onboarding, proper training and development programs, acknowledgement of how each individuals’ contributions impact the company vision all play a critical part of this. Culture is not something that gets implemented once, it is an ongoing effort that is like a current running thorough an organization that keeps things flowing.

Not everyone is born with powerful leadership or management skills. These skills can be taught, as long as you have an excited employee who is motivated to learn these skills. This is why many organizations “hire for attitude” and train the specific skills necessary to carry out the position. There are two other factors that make for great management. Innovation and quantity. If you have so many rules and policies and trackers that it affects the quantity of actual work being done, that’s not a good trade-off. Plus, if you aren’t continually innovating, technology and competition with walk ride past you.

To learn the Key Performance Indicators for a Dental Practice that you should monitor as both a leader and a manager, contact Integrity Dental Marketing and ask for a comprehensive practice assessment.