Welcome to the ZenOne Podcast

Honest conversations with the people shaping the future of dentistry. From practice owners to industry disruptors, we dive into real stories, smart strategies, and behind-the-scenes insights you won’t hear anywhere else. No fluff—just the ideas and experiences that move dental practices forward.

Subscribe to ZenOne Podcast

Spotify Apple Podcasts

Do you have any ideas?

Have an idea for an episode? Want to share your story with us or ask Tiger a question?

Email us at hello@zenone.com or send us a video. Sending a video gives us permission to use it on the air.

Join 1000+ dental professionals, shop from your favorite suppliers, compare prices instantly, and save over $17,000/year

Try our platform free for 30 days.

Start for Free

Would you hire & fire based on your values?

The conversation explores the concept of leadership and its application in dental practices. It discusses the misconception that leadership is solely the responsibility of the owner or manager, emphasizing that leadership is a collective effort. The importance of setting clear expectations and providing the necessary tools for team members to succeed is highlighted. The conversation also touches on the overuse and misuse of the term ‘leader’ and the need for individuals to earn their leadership roles. The role of communication, transparency, and trust in building a successful team is discussed, as well as the challenges dentists face in developing leadership skills. The conversation covers topics such as work-life balance, culture in the workplace, and the process of hiring and firing employees. The hosts discuss the importance of setting clear expectations and defining the values and goals of the business. They also emphasize the need for open communication and dignity in the firing process. The conversation provides practical tips and strategies for creating a positive work environment and managing team dynamics.

Bio: Meet Geri Gottlieb, founder and CEO of GG Practice Coaching; Development, a seasoned coach, communications expert, and speaker. With over three decades of experience in dental practice management and leadership development, she brings a unique blend of expertise to drive sustainable growth. From owning two successful periodontal practices with her husband Dr Bob Gottlieb, to being a lead coach with ACT Dental Practice Management and Motivational Speaker Kirk Behrendt to launching her own venture in 2019— she knows what it takes to build a thriving business from scratch. With a passion for continuous education and a deep sense of empathy, Geri is dedicated to helping dental professionals grow and succeed. With a wealth of experience and a thirst for knowledge, she bridges the gaps between clinical expertise, leadership, management, and ownership. Armed with certifications in Adult Learning, Behavioral Therapy, The Five Behaviors of a Team®, DiSC® Behavioral Assessments, and her newest addition—The Working Genius—Geri is equipped to delve into the individual needs of every leader and team member.

Website: https://ggpracticecoaching.com/ 

06/03/2024

58:34

Chapters

00:00 Redefining Leadership: A Collective Effort

02:11 Setting Expectations and Providing Tools for Success

08:29 Building a Successful Team: Communication, Transparency, and Trust

13:29 Challenges in Developing Leadership Skills for Dentists

31:46 Work-Life Balance and a Different Style of Work

38:07 Defining and Aligning with the Culture of the Workplace

39:51 Setting Clear Expectations and Holding Team Members Accountable

43:28 The Process of Hiring and Firing with Dignity and Open Communication

48:30 Creating a Strong Culture by Defining Vision and Values

52:53 Tools for Having Difficult Conversations and Setting Clear Expectations

56:26 Appreciation and Acknowledgement in the Workplace

01:00:18 Book Recommendations: ‘The Advantage’ and ‘Upstream’

Takeaways

  • Leadership is a collective effort and not limited to the owner or manager.
  • Setting clear expectations and providing tools are essential aspects of leadership.
  • The term ‘leader’ is often overused and misused, and individuals need to earn their leadership roles.
  • Effective communication, transparency, and trust are crucial for building a successful team.
  • Dentists face challenges in developing leadership skills, but the younger generation shows a strong desire to improve. Work-life balance is important to millennials and younger professionals, who prioritize a different style of work and life.
  • Culture in the workplace is subjective and can vary from one office to another, but it is important to define and align with the values and goals of the business.
  • Setting clear expectations and holding team members accountable is crucial for maintaining a positive work environment.
  • The process of hiring and firing should be done with dignity and open communication, focusing on the needs and goals of both the employer and the employee.
  • Creating a strong culture starts with defining the vision and values of the business and aligning behaviors and goals with those values.
  • The firing process can be made easier by using tools such as the Arch template and radical candor to have difficult conversations and set clear expectations.
  • Appreciation and acknowledgement are important in the workplace, and different team members may have different preferences for how they are recognized and rewarded.
  • The book recommendations mentioned in the conversation are ‘The Advantage’ by Patrick Lencioni and ‘Upstream’ by Dan Heath.