4 minute read
The British Association of Private Dentistry (BAPD
of controlling leaders tend to lack innovation and fear stepping out on their own. On the positive, followers tend to stay within organisations and will be less likely to progress into leadership roles themselves and may be the reliable 9-5ers that every business needs.
On the flip side of this, those within the organisation that are leaders and who want to progress will be less likely to stay if they work for or with a controlling leader. Controlling leaders can stifle those leaders that want to grow. Their need to breathe and have creative space to take risks will be quashed by a controlling leader, the true leaders will find this difficult and won't stay around too long.
Long term, controlling leadership does not work. It stifles innovation, stunts the growth of other leaders and inevitably stalls the growth of businesses.
If you feel you may be a controlling leader, or someone in your business is, here are some simple things to consider if you want to move into a more open and progressive leadership style. We can start by the way we communicate and the language we use;
Try using some of these language tips in your next meetings or in your daily conversations with your team.
lAs editor of The Dental Technician Magazine, I would like to draw attention to the recent efforts made by the newly formed organization The British Association of Private Dentistry (BAPD). The BAPD has rightly adopted a joined up approach to tackle some of the issues that have arisen during the Covid-19 pandemic and the lack of leadership from our peers and Chief Dental Officer. I myself have watched the associations efforts closely and I urge Dental Technicians to consider supporting them. They are an all-inclusive group of Dentists, Technicians, Nurses, Hygienists and Therapists.
I recently spoke with Jason Smithson, co-founder of the BAPD:
The Covid-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected the dental industry. Practices ceased all routine care in the last week of March and were only officially permitted to reopen on 8 June. Building the delivery of treatment back up to pre-Covid19 levels is going to be a slow and long process. All of this has naturally had a devastating knock-on effect on the business of laboratories and dental technicians. As with practices, the longer-term survival of some laboratories is now in jeopardy.
Say “Yes” to other people’s ideas more than “No”. Ask “Why not?” more than saying “I don’t think so”. Use “Our” more than “My” and “We” more than “I”. Try to say “Thank you” more than “You’re welcome”.
This one is a real game changer for controlling leaders, be willing to say “Let’s do it” or "let's give it a go" more than “We’ve never done it that way before” or "I don't think it will work" and definitely never say "That's a rubbish idea". If that is a struggle then start with "How can we do this?” rather than “This is the way I do it”.
The British Association of Private Dentistry (BAPD) was set up in April this year as a group to lobby for a fairer deal for private practices. Membership of the BAPD is open to all dental care professionals (DCP) as well as receptionists and practice managers. The BAPD is actively involved in protecting the interest of all of its members.
The BAPD is aware of the Dental Laboratories Association’s (DLA) efforts to protect the jobs of its members, yet despite its efforts, laboratories and technicians will not survive without dental practices. This is the reality. It is vital then that while we all speak out for our individual sector of the dental industry, we also remember to stand together and add our voices to a united campaign for proper representation of private dentistry at the highest level.
Everyone working in the dental industry is now facing the same challenges: ensuring patient and staff safety; continuing to deliver high-quality treatment; maintaining the viability of their business and preserving jobs. By joining the BAPD you are supporting the future of private dentistry. We are inviting all laboratory owners,
Finally, try encouraging people to open up and grow themselves use this regularly in your vocabulary “What do you think?”
We will look further into more positive traits of leaders and leadership styles in the coming issues, for now let me end this with some words from author, business and leadership coach Simon Sinek. Sinek is one of my favourite speakers and writers and I truly value his comments on being a good leader. He suggests that the 3 most valuable leadership traits are Selflessness, Empathy
and Grace under fire.
clinical dental technicians, and technicians to become members. By having a strong association that truly represents everyone working in private dentistry, we all stand a better chance of surviving these very difficult times and building a future of quality dentistry for all patients.
Finally, the quotation below most aptly sums up what dentists and technicians should be doing, and why DCPs should seriously think about joining the BAPD in these unprecedented times.
“It’s about creating strength in numbers, finding common ground and supporting each other.” (Jane Kim)
We look forward to you joining our organisation. https://www.bapd.org.uk/support-us/
