Let's Talk About Power

 

Last post we discussed three different types of power, utility, legitimate and coercive. Now we are going to look at the characteristics of each type of power.

The first one is coercive power. This power holds something over a person’s head and people do things because they are afraid of you. For example, an employee comes into work early. On the outside this looks really good but while they are at work they are nervous, anxious and are fearful that you will punish them in some way.

Individuals under this type of power do not work well for long periods of time. They will burn out or quit because they are not happy in their position. Your mission maybe compromised and moving your dental practice forward maybe impossible. When you ask for ideas on how to streamline the front desk, instead of innovative and creative thinkers you get silence. This type of power can cripple your business and create an unhappy environment for patient care.

The second type of power is utility power. People who work in this type of power gain some financial or ego boost.  This power is not as bad as the first however, it also misses the mark of a shared vision with a strong team. Your workers may follow and they may step up a little because they can’t wait for that monthly bonus. But they do not go above and beyond if it is needed.

Corporate offices use this type of power to get the job the done. However, in your line of work this is not the type of business where you can just do the minimal.

It is critical in dentistry you don’t abuse the position given to you as boss. You need to build a relationship with shared power or control. When you have this type of relationship with your front office, they will ask patients for a review and their payment up front. Your RDA, will talk to patients as people and not just an extra paycheck.

Not only will your business grow but the relationship you have with your staff and patients will also increase because the word team will not be a word just thrown around, it will be the basis for the future of your business. 

 Great teams take effort. Take time to work on your practice regularly to build quality communication and strengthen your results. For more information and to read other articles, please visit us at www.saltdpm.com.