What are some of the challenges you faced along your educational or career journey?
The biggest professional challenge during my first 12 years of practice has been learning
to become an effective leader. I joined a stable group practice with two seasoned partners,
whose leadership set the tone and guided the culture during the first years of practice. As
they transitioned to retirement, this left a void that I, together with three other partners, had
to learn to fill.
Our practice nearly doubled in size during this time, reaching around 40 employees. We
learned together, with a lot of trial and error, that effective, positive leadership takes constant
effort. It requires first and foremost that we see others as people and that we continually strive
to see how our behaviors are impacting others, and are willing to make adjustments to help
others succeed around us.
These are common sense ideas, but building and maintaining a positive work culture does not
just happen with good intentions and occasional interventions. Putting out fires is no fun! We
continue to learn as partners that we have to be intently engaged with this process on a daily
basis, setting aside time to anticipate problems and help things go well. We have learned that
we each have different talents, as well as weaknesses, and we need to take on responsibilities
that best suit us. It continues to be a challenging and rewarding journey.
Do you have any advice for dental students and residents who are just embarking on
their careers?
My advice to those just embarking on their careers is to build in ample time in your schedules
to connect with your partners and employees. Take time regularly to really get to know
one another. Deliberately develop a positive work culture as a team, making your office an
attractive place for new talent and an enjoyable place to be. Don’t shy away from seeking
expert help with this. We engaged a consulting company for help with this part of our practice
and have been very pleased with what they have helped us achieve. It matters probably less
who you work with, but rather that you make the effort. It will be worth it!