If 2020 taught you anything it would certainly include having a Plan B in place. The same forward-thinking applies to looking ahead and staying ahead in dentistry for 2021.<\/p>\n
Some might refer to it as \u201canticipatory leadership.\u201d That\u2019s an appropriate tag but projecting future outcomes also requires essential actions to maintain consistency in your dental practice or organization.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s common to believe there\u2019s something special or other-worldly about the top echelon within any industry – including dentistry. Holding to that belief makes it difficult to lead according to reproducible benchmarks.<\/p>\n
Believing that good fortune or luck is necessary for success can prevent you from looking ahead to the future<\/a>. Not to mention, staying ahead.<\/p>\n Contrary to popular opinion the future isn\u2019t only populated by dental superstars with a crystal ball. It is, on the other hand, the environment of those with:<\/p>\n In essence, looking ahead and staying ahead requires a commitment to narrow the gap between where you<\/p>\n \u00a0are and where you want to be. That\u2019s why it\u2019s crowded at the starting line and less crowded as the journey progresses towards success.<\/p>\n The idea of common ground comes with the understanding that not all initiatives are quantifiable. But based on the shared experiences of top performers it\u2019s perhaps better to build on common principles.<\/p>\n You can build and sustain forward momentum by strategizing around this core of actionable big ideas.<\/p>\n A mission statement can have a rewarding shelf-life. Although being on mission is about more than a creatively written, framed statement on your practice wall and website \u201cabout us\u201d page.<\/p>\n A captivating and momentum building mission perhaps already resides in the \u201cDNA\u201d of your practice. You\u2019ll notice evidence in:<\/p>\n Remember that you and your team are reflections of your mission. And it shapes your practice culture.<\/p>\n This is evidenced in your core values. Consider them the non-negotiables that propel your practice every day.<\/p>\n Your \u201cwhy\u201d shows up in your operations, systems, workflows, and above all your care standards. Forward and sustained momentum should not be enslaved to \u201cwhat\u201d you do but rather the under-current of \u201cwhy.\u201d<\/p>\n Communication keeps everything moving in the right direction. As you\u2019ve probably experienced, a break-down in communication can lead to inefficiencies such as gossip, misunderstandings, and unnecessary periods of chaos.<\/p>\n On the other hand, good, clear, compelling communication is:<\/p>\n Clear communication seeks the good of the entire practice or organization. There\u2019s improved efficiency, less stress, and a compelling reason for team members to do their part in providing outstanding patient care.<\/p>\n Forward-thinking here applies to your business and clinical systems. The better your systems and workflows across all departments the less disorganization and chaos will occur.<\/p>\n Good dentistry flows in the direction of least resistance. It\u2019s vital that you pinpoint and close efficiency gaps.<\/p>\n Set up workflows and systems that monitor and enhance team productivity, patient experience, production and more.<\/p>\n The more proactive your leadership the less reliant you\u2019ll be on managing details. Forward-thinking focuses on implementing measurable team responsibilities rather than micro-managing daily duties.<\/p>\n Keep your forward-thinking edge with the following resources:<\/p>\n Leverage What You\u2019ve Learned in 2020 to Reimagine Your Dental Practice in 2021<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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Common ground goals for looking ahead and staying ahead in 2021 dentistry<\/a><\/h2>\n
Review, revise, and re-energize your mission<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Know your \u201cwhy\u201d<\/span><\/h3>\n
Communicate with compelling clarity <\/span><\/h3>\n
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Create fluid, scalable systems and workflows<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Prioritize measurement alongside management<\/span><\/h3>\n
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