Do's and don'ts for creating a happy work environment: Be a great doctor -- and a great leader

Every day you strive to provide great dental care, but as the practice leader, you are also responsible for helping to keep your team happy, enthusiastic, and inspired. Keep in mind that the way you lead your staff can have a tremendous positive or negative influence on the morale and performance of staff members.

Encourage your team. Always be on the lookout for ways to give your team a boost. Thank and compliment staff frequently. Give encouragement when challenges arise. Remember, a little praise goes a long way.

Don't let conflicts linger. It may be tempting to ignore conflict, but it's better to respond right away. Avoiding these situations can cause harmful stress for the entire practice. The dentist or office manager should meet privately with the team members involved to facilitate a solution and make it clear that continuing discord will not be tolerated.

Roger P. Levin, DDS, is the founder and CEO of Levin Group, the leading dental practice consulting firm in North America. For the complete list of dates and locations where you can attend his latest seminar, visit www.levingroup.com/gpseminars.

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