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.
Some might refer to it as “anticipatory leadership.” That’s an appropriate tag but projecting future outcomes also requires essential actions to maintain consistency in your dental practice or organization.
Why it’s lonely at the top in dentistry
It’s common to believe there’s 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.
Believing that good fortune or luck is necessary for success can prevent you from looking ahead to the future. Not to mention, staying ahead.
Contrary to popular opinion the future isn’t only populated by dental superstars with a crystal ball. It is, on the other hand, the environment of those with:
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- A strong desire for improving their practice(s)
- An uncommon level of persistence to adapt and embrace change
- A willingness to consistently take the steps to improve over time
In essence, looking ahead and staying ahead requires a commitment to narrow the gap between where you
are and where you want to be. That’s why it’s crowded at the starting line and less crowded as the journey progresses towards success.
Common ground goals for looking ahead and staying ahead in 2021 dentistry
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’s perhaps better to build on common principles.
You can build and sustain forward momentum by strategizing around this core of actionable big ideas.
Review, revise, and re-energize your mission
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 “about us” page.
A captivating and momentum building mission perhaps already resides in the “DNA” of your practice. You’ll notice evidence in:
- Your practice vibe or culture
- How you interact, lead, and manage your team(s)
- The way your team interacts with your patients
- The patient experience you consistently provide
Remember that you and your team are reflections of your mission. And it shapes your practice culture.
Know your “why”
This is evidenced in your core values. Consider them the non-negotiables that propel your practice every day.
Your “why” shows up in your operations, systems, workflows, and above all your care standards. Forward and sustained momentum should not be enslaved to “what” you do but rather the under-current of “why.”
Communicate with compelling clarity
Communication keeps everything moving in the right direction. As you’ve probably experienced, a break-down in communication can lead to inefficiencies such as gossip, misunderstandings, and unnecessary periods of chaos.
On the other hand, good, clear, compelling communication is:
- Transparent
- Realistic
- Efficient
- Accurate
Clear communication seeks the good of the entire practice or organization. There’s improved efficiency, less stress, and a compelling reason
