On today’s episode, we have the second part of the "Lady Leaders" series on "Tackling the Horrors of Hiring Office Managers & For All Positions," Ashlee Hirschfeld, Sydney Robinson, and Summer Kassmel continue to delve into the intricacies of hiring practices within dental offices, with a specific focus on the role of the Office Manager (OM). They emphasized the critical qualities and responsibilities that define an effective OM, underlining that leadership capabilities should be prioritized over mere seniority when considering promotions to management roles. This segment also tackled the hurdles that can arise when hiring an OM from outside the dental industry, stressing the necessity of seamless integration into the team.

The discussion further explored the concept of "extreme ownership," where OMs are encouraged to assume full accountability for the operational success of the practice. This approach fosters a proactive management style that can significantly influence the dynamics and efficiency of dental practices. Lastly, the speakers provided strategies for dealing with scenarios where an OM may not meet the practice's expectations. They discussed realigning the OM's responsibilities or, if necessary, transitioning them out of the role, ensuring that the management aligns well with the practice's goals and the team's needs. This session serves as a comprehensive guide for dental practices aiming to enhance their managerial hires and ensure their leaders contribute positively to their environments.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• https://www.truedentalsuccess.com
• Dental Success Network
• Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s part 3 episode, audience members had the unique opportunity to interact directly with Jocko Willink, posing insightful questions that delved deeper into his experiences and philosophies on leadership and management. The session began with Dr. Summer Kassmel asking about subtle, damaging traits in leaders, to which Jocko emphasized the destructive nature of ego and its ability to block personal and professional growth. He shared anecdotes from his time training SEAL teams, illustrating the critical need for humility and openness in effective leadership.

Another participant explored Jocko's recruitment strategies, particularly interested in how he assesses potential team members for his various business ventures. Jocko detailed the rigorous, real-world scenarios candidates are put through—dubbed the 'Jocotest'—to ensure they can handle the actual pressures and responsibilities of the job.

The discussion also covered how to maintain flexibility within standard operating procedures (SOPs) to avoid the rigidity that can stifle critical thinking and adaptability among team members. Jocko provided practical advice on ensuring SOPs allow for enough leeway to handle unexpected challenges effectively.

The session was not only a deep dive into the intricacies of leadership but also a testament to Jocko's profound impact on his listeners, many of whom expressed profound gratitude for the insights they had gained from his books and talks. His responses reinforced the importance of adaptability, preparation, and emotional intelligence in leadership—themes that resonated strongly with the professional audience at the summit.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• https://www.truedentalsuccess.com
• Dental Success Network
• Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s part 2 episode, recorded live at the 2024 Dental Success Summit in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Jocko Willink for a riveting discussion on leadership and change management. Jocko elaborates on his experience with instituting new processes within teams, particularly a more effective system of information collection during his military career. He emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations and being open to feedback to overcome resistance and enhance operational efficiency.

Jocko also explores the concept of 'dichotomy of leadership', sharing insights on how leaders can maintain balance and flexibility in their roles to foster a productive work environment. He highlights the need for leaders to recognize their emotional triggers and employ detachment techniques to remain calm and focused during high-pressure situations.

Furthermore, Jocko touches on the profound personal impacts of his military service, reflecting on the losses he endured and the deep appreciation for life these experiences instilled in him. He ties these reflections back to business and leadership, advocating for a focus on meaningful, people-centered goals rather than mere profit maximization.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• https://www.truedentalsuccess.com
• Dental Success Network
• Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast