Collaboration is king. By Nicki Rowland

Collaboration IS KING

By Nicki Rowland

In last month’s edition, Nicki Rowland, Director of the Exceptional Leadership Academy (ELA), explored how you can steer your ship to new horizons in 2022 by adopting an executive leadership mindset.

In this article, she discusses why the world of business owners is evolving at a fast rate of knots and the importance of having the ability to adapt to change.

BE AGILE It is more important than ever for laboratory owners and their management teams to be agile and adapt to the ‘New World’. The word agile comes for the Latin word ‘agere’ and in conceptual terms means ‘being able to think and comprehend quickly’. You have probably heard the word ‘pivot’ bounced around recently and ultimately leaders need to be able to flex and bend at any point. When they are passed the ball, a basketball player needs to choose a ‘pivot foot’ to swivel on to avoid a defensive player and change direction at speed. In a similar way, dentistry has been turned on its head and the change and ambiguity continue every day. When ‘the only thing that is certain is uncertainty’, we need to be quick thinking to find an opening in the court to get the ball to the basket.

ESTABLISH A SENSE OF URGENCY A sense of urgency is crucial for those of us who are driving change in dental laboratories. John Kotter, a professor at Harvard Business School, talks about establishing a sense of urgency in his book, Leading Change. Kotter argues that “Establishing a sense of urgency is needed in the change process and helps managers of companies and leaders of change to fight against complacency”. When team members become complacent, it is often because they are happy with the status quo. Questions crop up such as ‘Why do we have to change when the old way still works?' or 'Why change what we do when we do not know if the new way will work?' Urgency is the polar opposite of complacency. Retail establishments use the ‘urgency’ tactic in their marketing – ‘Don’t miss out. Only 5 left in stock’. This approach instils a sense of ‘missing out’ if the buyer does not act quickly. Equally, this works well in the workplace. It helps teams to recognise why change is essential to avoid being left behind. Always sell the benefits of change to your team to get their ‘buy-in’. I would suggest drawing a vertical line down the middle of a flipchart and comparing your ‘old world’ with your ‘new world’. You can then directly demonstrate the benefits of change by comparing the two.

ADOPT A BALANCED PERSPECTIVE Laboratory owners are spinning so many plates right now – clients, staff, new ways of working, revenue, cash flow, the list goes on. When I talk about balance, leaders need to acknowledge that a plate may be dropped here and there. Revealing your vulnerability to your team is central to achieving a well-balanced culture as it helps to build trust. Do not see asking for support as a flaw. Instead, see it as an opportunity to work in a collaborative way with your team. In this way, you are setting a precedent whereby your staff also feel that they can ask for help and are allowed to be human. As American businessman, Michael Bloomberg, says “Working collectively and collaboratively is the difference between mediocrity by yourself or success as a team. You have to share the pain and the responsibility and if you do then you will also share in the rewards”.

Decision-making is part of the balancing act and the defining art of leadership. Our decision making is not always spot on but is usually for the greater good of the team and the business. As leaders, we need to be careful about making decisions on our own. Remember, your team will hold you to account for the outcome of any decision if you make it by yourself. If you have made it jointly, and something goes wrong, accountability does not rest purely on your shoulders and you can all hatch plan B together. In this way, you are far more likely to gain staff ‘buy-in’ and nurture commitment within your team. PERSEVERE Change management can be exciting, challenging and difficult. Implementing change in your laboratory can be a rough ride. In most cases, a large dose of perseverance is required. Don’t give up! You maybe be tired by the continuous battle of getting your team on side or dealing with a problematic client. You may be exhausted introducing new policies and procedures in line with Covid-19 restrictions and directives and training your team to deliver them. However, the battle is worth it. As businessman, Jim Watkins, says “A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.” Whether you can see tangible results instantly or they creep in slowly, perseverance is character building. Facing challenges teaches us a lot about our own abilities. Guiding your team through change develops leadership skills. And driving improvements in your laboratory is good for business growth. Isn’t that good for everyone?

LOOK TO THE FUTURE So, as you face 2022, make a promise to yourself. Be resolute, stand firm and do not become distracted. Plan out what you want to achieve in your organisation and involve your team in decision-making. A team approach generates trust, commitment, accountability and attention to detail – a formula for success!

In the fourth of Nicki’s articles, she will be discussing the need to be a great listener to nurture your team and drive results. In the meantime, if you need any support from Nicki in relation to business development, leadership and the management of your laboratory, contact her at nicki@ela.team