leadership
Authoritarianism is a Double-Edged Sword
by Joel C . Small , DDS and Mac McDonald , DDS
As practice owners we are in a position of authority , and how we choose to use that authority will directly impact the nature of our practice culture . Doctors and practice managers who rely on their authority alone can create highly productive practices , but how sustainable are cultures driven by authority ? Furthermore , how does our staff react to authority ? For example , authoritarians may have highly productive staff , but staff respond to authoritarians and their directives out of fear . The job is getting done according to the doctor ’ s directives , but a culture driven by fear is a culture of compliance as opposed to commitment . Compliant cultures tend to stagnate over time as team members lose their will to think independently and no longer offer creative feedback that is vital for practices to thrive . It has been our observation that cultures of compliance are unstable , unsustainable , and are typified by blame , low staff morale , and increased turnover .
Influencers are a different breed of leaders . Like authoritarians , they can create highly productive practices , and a casual observer would have trouble distinguishing between the two types of cultures . This is where the similarities end , however .
A more discerning observer would quickly and easily notice significant differences between the two leadership styles and the cultures they create . Whereas staff submit and comply with the directives of an authoritarian out of fear , the followers of an influencer act out of trust and their belief in the leader . Their culture is one of commitment and is typified by collaboration , cohesiveness , shared values , and their belief in a well-defined future vision .
Influencer culture is typified by collaboration , cohesiveness , shared values , and belief in a well-defined future vision .
To be clear , there are significant distinctions between “ authority ” and “ authoritarianism ” that must be recognized . Authoritarianism is defined as tyrannical , autocratic , and even dictatorial whereas authority is defined as the power to give orders or make decisions . Being in a position of authority , like
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