Wisdom from Warren

In the spirit of seeking out good mentors, I spent the better part of my day at the feet of Warren Buffet and Charlie Munger (right) and to the side of Bill Gates in Omaha, NE today. The insights could fill volumes, but here is one that may surprise you.

If there were one aspect of managing a business that the world’s most brilliant investor dislikes, what would you guess that it is? It is, in fact, one of the same things that most leaders, and most dentists dislike; having to let someone go.

Finding good managers is one of Warren Buffet and Charlie Munger’s strong suits. Having to let one of those people go is what they detest most. In fact, the two openly admitted to keeping the CEO of one of their major holdings on a year longer than they should have just because they liked him so much and had a hard time telling him that is was time to move one. It inspired me to know that if managing people for results is the toughest part of being the richest man in the world then we all have something in common! Even the best leaders struggle with similar issues. If Warren Buffest struggles with it and has to work on it, then the rest of us have that much more work to do.

Leadership skills can be learned. Sure, there are some things that come naturally to some people. But we all have things to improve. There is one leadership principle that is for sure, however. And that is that any organization will ultimately succeed only to the extent that its leader has the ability to lead it.

So what are you doing to continually improve your leadership ability? Leading a top team requires top leadership. It’s leadership that can be learned and acquired.

Recommit today to immerse yourself in the critical lessons of leadership. In the case of most dentists, your practice is only going to grow as fast as you do. To that end, make sure to place the ToPS “Leading a ToPS Team” course as one of your highest priorities. One course will not necessarily make you a better leader overnight, but it will put you on a better course to be a ToP leader!

Call our team at 1-877-399-8677 for dates, availability and course requirements. Take the next step to the ToP by learning the skills you need to Lead a ToPS Team.

Forbes Inisght

When Steve Forbes (Forbes Magazine) climbed into my pick up truck this week in Ft. Worth, Texas, I knew I was in for an experience. I invited Steve to come spend a private evening in a “Town Hall” type meeting with a group of local CEO’s to discuss his views on the future of the economy, the impact that the results of the election will have on our futures and how we can manage in turbulent times. His insights were fascinating and his perspectives refreshing. I could write several pages about his prognostications, but there are two of his opinions that I will paraphrase that are worth passing on and acting on:

1. The biggest challenge in our economy today is….FEAR! Fear was the biggest factor that drove government regulators to put Lehman Brothers out of business and Merrill Lynch into a merger. Both companies were cash flow positive until the day they “died.” Fear continues to be the biggest bottleneck on main street and Wall Street. The good news is that battling that fear starts between your own two ears and within the four walls of your office. Keep it out and you will be amazed at what flows in your direction.

2. Keep the FAITH in our ability to solve problems…even the problems we have created ourselves! It is a personal decision. Are you currently innovating or disintegrating? It is a choice not a condition.

As evidence of what Steve Forbes was saying, I was in a dental office this week that is “on fire.” The enthusiasm was contagious. The energy was palpable. I could not help but feel great while I was there. And I’m not the only one. Evidence that they are radiating positive vibes to their patients and the community came in the form of 16 new patient calls in just one day this last week. The vast majority of those were referrals from existing patients.

You may not be able to control Congress, the economy, or the new presidential administration, but you can control the attitude that you chose in your practice each day. That was one of the positive messages I received from Steve Forbes. There are a lot of problems to solve, but the most important of those problems can be solved right where you are.

Have a great week and

Make It Happen!

Leading a ToP Team

We just concluded our “Leading a ToP Team” course for dentists and key team members. One of many timely topics that we discussed was the 6 different leadership styles and what circumstances demand each type.

The question was raised, with the current turmoil in the economic and political world today and the resulting fear that is prevailing, what type of leadership style is the best? If you do what comes naturally, you may be tempted to retreat into a “wait and see” position. But is that what you, your practice, and your team needs right now? Part of our leadership experience was planning a team “press conference” to set forth the clear plan of action for today’s troubled times. In times of uncertainty, everyone looks for direction. Who will set that direction for your practice? The media or other random voice of doubt, or YOU!

One of the secrets of success in dentistry is to look at where the average dentists are going and then run in the opposite direction! While the average office is high centered and stalled on doubt and fear, run in the opposite direction toward a clear direction of action. While everyone is waiting to see, you will have already arrived at the next level of success. So lead on!

If you would like a complimentary copy of the ToPS 6 Leadership Styles worksheet outlining what leadership style is right for what circumstances, just give our ToPS team a call at 1-877-399-8677 or e-mail us at.

Have a great week as you lead confidently to the future.

Are you A Servant Leader?

My dad was the first person to help me understand “servant leadership” when I was a kid.

“Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant."

Dad continues to be the best example of that concept. From the many talks that he wrote and rehearsed with me as a youth, hopping on my purple bicycle to delver my paper route when our scout troop’s return was delayed from a camping trip, to secretly washing his car with my mom before a date so that I would make a good impression; Dad has always been on the lookout for ways to help those he leads be more successful.

As the leader of our family and the many other leadership roles he has filled over the years, he has always lead by example and been the first to serve those he leads. His example has always been one to follow because he leads by serving.

Happy Father’s Day Dad.

Have a great week as you lead by serving.

Are you better off?

It is presidential election season here in the United States and I am reminded of a political campaign question from years past, “Are you better off today than you were 4 years ago?” All politics aside...

• Are you better off?
• Is your practice doing better?
• Are your results better?
• Is your case acceptance higher?
• Do you have a better team?

If you’re not better off, then maybe its time for a leadership change.

The quality of your practice and the quality of your life depends on the quality of your personal leadership. If you don’t feel like you are better off in every way than you were four years ago, maybe its time to take a serious look at the leader – you! You can either change leaders or change your leadership skill and ability. Since you are stuck with you, it is a good idea to continually upgrade your leadership skill.