As leaders, dentists have to do more than simply show up and treat patients every day. Although ideally you would like to come to the office, treat your patients and go home, there is a lot more to the leadership story.

Coaching is a major factor for any leader. No team is perfect, and even if yours is, it will likely not stay that way in the long run. This is where coaching is critical. Whether you handle coaching through informal feedback during the workday, formal performance reviews, or other one-to-one meetings with your team, staff meetings, or morning meetings, coaching is an ongoing process for every practice.

It is essential for the dentist to understand that the team needs feedback in order to continue to develop. It must be said, however, that continual criticism of mistakes is rarely a good leadership formula for feedback and improving performance. Effective and responsible leadership focuses on positive, specific and practical feedback that helps team members learn, grow and excel at their duties.

You have a good team—help them get better through coaching.