Having strong listening skills, embracing change and inspiring others are among the qualities dental professionals look for in a leader.
Here, four professionals connected with Becker's to answer the question: "What makes a good leader?"
Editor’s Note: Responses were lightly edited for length and clarity
Robert Baskies, DMD (Phillipsburg, N.J.): Leaders are good listeners, they respect good ideas from everyone and they care about and respect their staff. Staff do not work for you, they work with you. Leaders are humble and do not whine about what they make because they make significantly more than anyone else. To quote a management book, "leaders are the last to eat.”
Teresa Duncan. Owner of Odyssey Management (Centreville, Va.): Gifted leaders embrace discomfort. A too-fluid workforce and economic pressures can be overwhelming to a comfortable manager or owner. If a leader resists any change, then how can he or she learn from the experience? This growth will shape a leader’s perspectives for the next challenge. Our teams are strengthened from shared learning and tenacity. Uncomfortable situations lead to thoughtful decisions, which in turn lead to new and expanded viewpoints. This is how gifted leaders learn and evolve.
Charles Rim, DDS. Oregon State Hospital (Salem, Ore.): I like to start with a quote by Henry David Thoreau: “If you would convince a man that he does wrong, do right. But do not care to convince him. Men will believe what they see. Let them see.”
A leader inspires others by leading with integrity, principles and transparency. When one reads about the person’s professional accomplishments, a healthcare leader devoted one’s career to improve the healthcare system and education. On the individual accomplishment, an example is set forth for followers to become leaders where one’s legacy will continue to bear fruit impacting the life of everyone on their path.
Brian Rista, DMD. Twenty-First Century Dental (Tinton Falls, N.J.): A good leader is someone who gains the trust and respect of his or her co-workers. It is also someone who by example makes all of the staff members better at their specific tasks and makes them realize their full potential.