Leadership credentials

Establishing their credibility as a leader is the biggest obstacle many practice managers have to overcome. This is a particular problem for managers who are promoted to become the manager of a team where they have previously worked in another role. There can be no doubt that knowledge and understanding of leadership styles is an essential tool for those who are serious about using their leadership and management skills to create a motivated and productive team. This type of learning is best secured through formal studies. Management qualifications at level 3 or above, set in the context of dental team management is an essential requirement for dental practice managers.

Leadership is defined in so many different ways that it is hard to come up with a single working definition. Before considering definitions it is necessary to understand that a leader is not just a person or group of people in a high position. To understand leadership you need understanding of the interactions between leaders and followers because effective leadership is based on dynamic relationships, rather than static skills.