A Simple Secret for Coaching Practice Teams

We understand intuitively that all people are different. However, we sometimes overlook this reality when it comes to working with the people we depend on every day.

We talk about the habits of our teams, but sometimes we forget that those teams are made up of individuals who each have their own particular needs and motivations. We talk about having a particular “management style” as if there were one master key for unlocking the potential in everyone.

I think the best leaders are the ones who recognize and celebrate the wonderful uniqueness of each person in their orbit. Most people like to be part of a successful team and also acknowledged for who they are as individuals.

Just as importantly, different people respond best to different approaches. Just look at the world of team sports: Very often, the most successful coaches are the ones who have an innate talent for knowing what they need to do to reach each player. They know which ones need encouragement and which ones need discipline. They know which ones need close monitoring and which ones need space — and they also know that sometimes it’s the same person at different times! These coaches understand that veterans require a different approach than rookies; they know how to “read” their people.

I’ve been involved in developing strategies for dental teams for decades now, and have seen literally hundreds of teams in action. I’ve learned that the best teams are the ones guided by a leader who knows what it takes to get each star in their universe to shine in their own way.