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My father loved to fly fish. He couldn’t pass up the challenge of catching the perfect prize rainbow while fighting the elements and the force of the streams. He especially enjoyed determining how best to place his line and the satisfaction of deciding upon the right fly and where to find his prey.
Interesting enough, the secrets my father taught me about fly fishing truly reflect the basic principals of commercial success. In order to create a flourishing dental practice you must determine where to garner or “catch” clients, how to meet and fulfill their emotional and physical needs using the proper equipment and skill, as well as take care of the carefully selected staff that assist you in accomplishing your every day endeavors.
Sometimes, in order to improve our practices, we must take a hard look at the way we do things by asking those tough questions, the questions that when answered and properly executed, can improve not only our businesses but our lives. For instance, are you satisfied with your practice? What changes could be made that might improve the work day? Do you have a key vision for your practice? Do you provide the right direction for your staff to follow, so they can better do their jobs and enjoy a more productive work environment?
In order to resolve these questions that can help “up” your success factor, you must first take a leadership role in all aspects of your business, from patient care to staff support. It’s true that we must lead our lives in order to make our dreams and goals come true, but many times, we are unclear of how to go about it.
Becoming an effective leader in your practice and personal life can be one of the greatest gifts you give yourself and those you care about. I recently went on a mission to read all I could on how to correctly demonstrate good leadership. The results of my efforts have made a big difference at the bottom line, and have helped me to catapult my business to the next level. For instance:
There are many enlightening resources, courses and texts to help you discover how best to apply the correct kind of leadership for your business. In his course titled Isn’t It Wonderful When Patients Say Yes, Dr. Paul Homoly states that the more complex your treatment becomes with your patients, the greater is the need for exceptional leadership. In the bestselling book, Good to Great, by Jim Collins, the “hedgehog concept” is introduced. Collins explains that, when threatened, the small hedgehog becomes a large sphere of sharp spikes, pointing out in all directions. Because of this display of unbeatable defense, the aggressor calls off its attack. Then the hedgehog resumes its original form and continues on its way.
Collins contends that the hedgehog’s focused response and quick action should be emulated by all of us. We too must focus on what is most necessary in order to take things from “Good to Great” and ignore insignificant worries or concern that can keep us off track in finding great success.
Collins goes on to teach about his theory, the three circles of concept. Consider the following questions:
Your answer to these questions will help you to identify your hedgehog concept and continue to direct your practice in the right direction. Also consider the following books to broaden your leadership skills:
Leadership is a hot topic in the self help industry and consulting circuit for a good reason. All of us are interested in bettering ourselves and acquiring our dreams. Keep in mind that wanting to improve your business is a choice—it takes commitment to being honest with yourself and a willingness to take some risks. So the next time you go fishing for the answers to better improve your business, let me know what you catch as your practice grows.
John
Dr. John Gordon
Dr. Gordon has practiced full time comprehensive restorative and cosmetic dentistry for over 25 years in the Kansas City Northland area. In addition, he lectures and gives presentations on cosmetic dental procedures, materials and smile design principles. Dr. Gordon also speaks about the business and financial aspects as related to cosmetic and restorative dentistry, marketing, digital dental photography and laboratory communication that assures you get the results you and the patient are happy with. For more information you can email him at , johnrgordon@sbcglobal.net visit his website at www.drjohngordon.com.
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