Do's and don'ts for the future: Create a practice vision

Where do you see your practice in three years? Do you want to have an office that generates $1 million, $1.25 million, or more? Do you want to work only three days a week? Retire by 55? Buy another practice? Writing down what you want to accomplish in a vision statement is the first step toward achieving your goals.

Explore the visionary style of leadership. Beyond having and sharing a practice vision, this technique relies on your ability to inspire your team to fulfill that vision. Use your own excitement to generate enthusiasm in staff members. Help them envision a brighter and better future of the practice just as clearly as you do.

Don't forget to memorize the practice's vision. Your practice will achieve greater success -- more quickly -- if everyone on the team knows what success looks like. That's what a vision statement provides. Created and shared by the doctor, the vision shows where the practice should be in three years. By memorizing it, you'll be inspired to make it a reality.

Roger P. Levin, DDS, is the CEO of Levin Group, a leading dental management consulting firm, and one of the most sought-after speakers in dentistry. Dr. Levin has authored 65 books and more than 4,000 articles on dental practice management and marketing. You can sign up for the Levin Group Tip of the Day.

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