It can sound terrible, but our team members should be replaceable in orthodontic practice. That includes the orthodontist. That is quite different from my following statement, where you should aim to surround yourself with indispensable team members. Although these two terms sound the same, the role of an irreplaceable vs. indispensable team member is critical to distinguish.
Irreplaceable
Being irreplaceable is a faulty ambition for someone in any business. We aim to be so valuable with a scarcity mindset that no one could ever replace us. Well-intentioned but fraught with issues in a team that intends to grow and leverages collective success. An irreplaceable doctor is a bottleneck in the whole practice. In this case, the business would need to shut down if they are not present enough. It is at the root of many challenges of bringing in an associate, partner, or doctor team to help grow the business.
An irreplaceable team member may build so much value for the team that no one else can do their role. When they take a vacation, the practice suffers. Then the stress arrives when this person returns to the office with a mountain of work left unattended. If they retire, move out of town, or leave the practice, the transition is arduous and can lead to a loss of productivity.
What I have found leads to the aim to be irreplaceable is almost always well-intentioned: to add value and contribute. The unintentional liability to the team is not developing standard systems, a playbook, and a protocol for this role in the office. It may feel good to be irreplaceable, but that can lead to limits for the team member or the doctor who focuses on being a doer rather than a leader.
Indispensable
A shift in mindset comes when we realize we should aim to be replaceable and indispensable. We can replace all that we do, so we have the freedom to delegate, empower and grow. Others can take on our tasks because we no longer own them. However, we work together to achieve goals without holding all the power and control in a proper team environment. The indispensable team member realizes they are vital to the organization by who they are, not hoarding work.
The abundance mindset develops when we learn the tasks in the office are not what makes us valuable. Realizing our leadership, unique skills, and creativity allow us to move the whole team forward. No one would ever dispense with such a vital person in their practice, but instead, they would gladly replace their role as they move up in responsibilities. Ironically, you are more indispensable when you are replaceable.
