I appreciate Dr. Bhat’s response to my article and agree with the points he makes regarding the many qualities that make a successful CEO. Additionally, Dr. Bhat does an excellent job of outlining several well-known models for effective management that dentists can follow to lead their practice. However, I believe Dr. Bhat and I interpret differently my explanation about the CEO as a "conduit of change."
He states that my article hints at the dentist’s needing to follow the authoritarian/ autocratic style to achieve change. While the article does discuss requirements needed in order for change to be effective, nowhere in it do I counsel dentists to use an authoritarian/ autocratic style as a means of forcing change. In my experience working with thousands of practices, an authoritarian approach can be counterproductive.
The role of the dentist as CEO is an area of practice growth and professional development that we, at Levin Group, take seriously and incorporate into our consulting programs and seminars. Levin Group teaches doctors to respect and value the contributions of their staff. My article was in no way intended to diminish or lessen the contribution of others in operating a productive practice that provides excellent care and creates a fulfilling work environment.
My focus was to reinforce that dentists ultimately are responsible for establishing the practice’s vision, goals and direction and must lead their staff effectively to reach their potential and assist others in reaching theirs.
