Being the boss can be a thankless job. You want to push your employees to perform at the highest possible level - after all, it's your name posted on the shingle - but you don't want to be thought of as overbearing.
Or, you want to make sure that everyone is content and appreciated - but then you run the risk of seeming a pushover.
It's one of the most important questions you can answer about yourself. If you can answer the question, “What kind of boss are you in your dental practice?” then you can learn where your strengths lie - and where you most need to improve.
Boss Type 1: By-the-Book
You believe in structure - there is a procedure in place for everything, and that procedure should be followed unless there's good reason not to (and there's never a good reason not to).
The good news about this is that it's comforting for employees, as they know what's required of them at all times, as well as what they need to do to advance. Everything is spelled out for them, so there are never any surprises.
The downside to being by-the-book is that sometimes you get so wrapped up in dotting your i's and crossing your t's that you lose sight of the overarching vision. This could mean anything from accidentally mistreating an employee to mismanaging the business because you failed to see the forest for the trees.
To improve, try to give your employees more leeway to think for themselves. It might be hard to give up control, even temporarily, but increased responsibility is essential for your employees to grow.
Boss Type 2: The Volcano
Does even the tiniest mistake set you off, sending you into a vein-bulging rage with steam shooting out of your ears? Do you believe that the most important thing in business is for your employees to fear you - because then they'll follow your every command to the letter?
If so, congratulations - you're a volcano! Also, there's a good chance you have a problem with employee turnover, as no one wants to work for a hothead. Your temper has likely been noticed by your clients as well - so it could be costing you money as well as employees, since nobody wants a person with rage issues working on their teeth.
The good thing about being a volcano is that you do tend to run a pretty tight ship (the same could be said of bloodthirsty pirates, however). Things are most likely done just the way you like them, because everyone is afraid to set you off.
However, this is simply not healthy - for you or for the working environment. Try to get your temper under control and be more patient; whether this means starting up a meditation routine or anger management classes, or anything in between, it will be time and money well spent.
Boss Type 3: The Best Friend
You don't want your employees to fear you - you want them to love you. After all, what's better than a workplace where everyone is best friends?
That's the mindset that this boss archetype has. On the plus side, your employees probably do enjoy coming to work - and your clients will take notice of the amiable environment. You'll likely keep some employees longer than other bosses would have, and that continuity can help boost the bottom line.
However, sometimes bad news needs to be broken - and chances are you're loathe to do it. This can create festering situations, and prevent problems from being addressed in a timely manner.
Also, if you have friends in the office, sooner or later a social hierarchy will develop - and the people on the bottom will not be happy. Be careful not to play favorites, or else it could blow up in your face (and even result in a lawsuit).
To shore up your weaknesses, develop a system for making decisions such as raises and promotions, and make sure everyone on the team is aware of it. This can help you deliver bad news or correct employees, and they won't think you're being arbitrary.
So, Which Boss Are You?
Once you understand what type of boss you are, you're well on your way to becoming a more effective leader. Figure out your strengths and weaknesses, and use both to your advantage.
After all, once you know who you are, you can present the best possible version of yourself to your employees - and that's exactly what they want and deserve.
