My year as president of the American Dental Assistants Association is coming to a close in a couple of weeks, and I have enjoyed my opportunities to share a little humor, tips, and wisdom in the monthly articles I shared with you. The past year has been a wonderful journey and I have found myself reflecting on it a lot — the places I’ve been, the people I’ve met, and the things I’ve tried.
As a child growing up in the Midwest, I remember playing follow the leader. I played it at various times in my childhood with neighborhood children for hours on end. It was always special to be the leader with the job of initiating the craziness. Everybody wanted to be the leader! As we entered adulthood and the workforce, leadership took on a whole new meaning because it is an art as well as a skill. Leadership is hard work that is rewarding and often unacknowledged. Whether or not we want it, by choice or by default, we all find ourselves as a leader at some point during our careers. With their great multitasking skills, dental assistants are often delegated leadership responsibilities in the workplace. Others go on to organized association opportunities to shine in what they do best — lead! What traits make a successful leader in dentistry? Try some of the following:
A is for accountability. "It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable." — Moliere. You must be willing to take the blame along with the praise.
B is for boundaries. Effective leaders respect personal and professional boundaries. Leaders would never expect someone to do something they would not want to do themselves.
C is for creativity. Did you forget to set something up for a procedure but used something else in a pinch? It is helpful to be creative and open-minded when looking for solutions to difficult situations. The more creative you are in your thinking, the more solutions you will come up with.
D is for dreaming. Successful individuals are always dreaming about the future and how to improve things. As dental assistants, we are always thinking ahead in the workplace. As an organization, we are looking toward the future and preparing for changes that can impact us in many ways.
E is for enthusiasm. Go team go! Dentistry is all about teamwork, and there is no “I” in team. True leaders are enthusiastic and able to motivate others to participate. Isn’t it more fun as a group?
F is for fearless. Dental assistants are very adaptable to change. Try something new; the only thing you have to fear is that you may like it!
G is for growth. Being a leader cultivates both personal and professional growth.
H is for humor. One cannot work in dentistry without humor, it just doesn’t happen!
I is for influence. Believe it or not, you as a dental assistant have tremendous influence in many areas — your patients, products purchased, efficiency during procedures, and your employer’s happiness.
J is for judgment. As a leader you must demonstrate good judgment consistently to set the standard not only for you but also the practice you work for or organization you belong to. Any temporary lapse in judgment can be blamed on that missed cup of coffee.
K is for knowledge. Our minds are like sponges. Fill them with new ideas and concepts from time to time. This will keep your love of dentistry ignited and your career charged. There are so many opportunities for continuing education — challenge yourself!
L is for “letting it go.” Life is not always a bowl of cherries, and sometime we have to squeeze a lot of lemons before we have a great glass of lemonade. Our lives are so busy and compartmentalized that it is imperative that we find ways to release the stresses of the day. For some, a jog around the neighborhood does the trick; for me, it’s shopping!
M is for mentor. Dental assistants make great mentors because we like to share tips of the trade to make others’ daily routines a little less routine. Becoming a mentor is one of the easiest ways to become a leader.
N is for networking. A leader knows how to network. What better networking tool than belonging to your professional organization? “It isn’t just what you know, and it isn’t just who you know. It’s actually who you know, who knows you, and what you do for a living.” — Bob Burg
O is for organization. We kill two birds with one stone on this one — your personal organization, as well as your practice or organization you lead. Your home office may be a disaster area, but make sure your mind is organized. The organization you lead should always be a priority.
P is for passion. As a dental assistant, you are passionate. As a leader, your passion will show. I know very few dental assistants who are not passionate about what they do, and I’ve never met a leader whose passion did not show.
Q is for quirkiness. We are all different, and difference is what makes us tick and click with others. Be proud of your quirkiness.
R is for recognition. As a leader, sharing credit does not diminish you; it shows your ability to acknowledge achievement.
S is for spontaneity. There are times you need to think quickly on your feet. When the going gets tough, remember to smile.
T is for talent. Each one of us is talented in some respect. The key for a leader is to tap into that hidden talent and plant the seeds for growth, both personally and professionally.
U is for understanding. Language, cultural, and generational barriers may exist. Remember to smile, because everyone understands a smile.
V is for vision. Each day we wake up with a set of goals for the day. Leaders have a vision for where they would like to go and accomplishments they would like to see. When you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, you know you’ve succeeded. My first vision of the day is coffee, and after that I’m ready to conquer the world!
W is for wisdom. Wisdom is gained throughout one’s life and built upon with each new experience. Wisdom is often shared and built upon with ideas from colleagues. Think back to the first day of your career and where you are today — so much wisdom was gained though trials and victories.
X is for exactness. Dental assistants are meticulous in how they like things done. But is there only one way to do something? Times change and we must adapt in order to survive.
Y is for yearning. Dental assistants have a thirst for knowledge, success, and delegation. Learning new skills or honing rusty ones can improve your daily grind.
Z is for zest. Dental assistants love what they do and who they are. Let your passion show and see if it becomes contagious!
For more information on getting involved with the American Dental Assistants Association, please visit www.dentalassistant.org. Best of luck to each and every one of you in your leadership opportunities!
Natalie
Natalie Kaweckyj, LDARF, CDA, CDPMA, COA, COMSA, CPDA, MADAA, BA
President, American Dental Assistants Association
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