How the Waterline Principle Can Help Orthodontists Manage Teams Without Micromanaging

As an orthodontist, our main area of expertise is our strong technical skills in straightening teeth and correcting malocclusion. However, as business owners, we must also learn to manage and lead a team of professionals. This includes everyone from administrative staff to dental assistants to other orthodontists. Sometimes, this can be daunting, especially with the pressure to ensure that the quality of care provided to your patients is top-notch. How can we balance managing our team and providing excellent care? One way is through understanding and applying the Waterline Principle. We will explore this principle and how it can help you manage your team without micromanaging, promote leadership, grow your staff, and foster a culture of learning from mistakes.

What is the Waterline Principle?

Essentially, the Waterline Principle is a leadership model that aims to shift the traditional top-down management model to a more team-driven approach. Wilbert Gore introduced a leadership model and risk tolerance called the Waterline principle. Gore compared the level of acceptable risk to the waterline on a boat. Issues above the waterline wouldn’t sink the ship, allowing autonomy. If a decision goes bad and produces a hole in the ship’s side above the waterline, you can fix the hole, learn from the experience, and carry on.

In contrast, hazards that fall below the waterline can sink the ship. There is a greater risk to the organization or stakeholders. So, below-the-waterline risks need prior approval from the “captain.” These are issues that require more deliberation and a hands-on approach from the leader due to the increased risk in the event of a mistake. The Waterline Principle can be applied in any business, including orthodontics, to cultivate a culture of autonomy, accountability, and mutual trust.

How can the Waterline Principle benefit orthodontists and their teams?

Micromanaging can be detrimental to morale and productivity in any workplace. By embracing the Waterline Principle, orthodontists can delegate control and ownership to their team members. This allows them to take on more responsibility for decision-making and problem-solving. This principle can lead to several benefits:

1. Promoting leadership and team cohesion: When team members are allowed to lead, they feel empowered and more invested in their work. By encouraging brainstorming, communication, and collaboration, the team can develop stronger bonds and adopt a shared sense of purpose.
2. Allowing room for growth and development: As team members take on more ownership of their roles, they can develop new skills and grow their confidence. Greater ownership, responsibility, and accountability can improve patient care and increase job satisfaction.
3. Fostering a culture of learning from mistakes: When we expect team members to take the initiative and make decisions, they may sometimes make mistakes. However, through effective communication and open feedback, these mistakes can serve as opportunities for learning and improvement.

What are some practical ways to implement the Waterline Principle in orthodontics?

Implementing the Waterline Principle requires a shift in mindset and communication that may take some time to develop. Here are some practical steps that orthodontists can take to implement this principle in their practice:

1. Clearly define roles and expectations: Make sure that everyone on your team understands their roles, responsibilities, and the boundaries of their authority. Provide clear expectations for performance and accountability. The goal is to seek order instead of control. We can’t control everything.
2. Build a culture of open communication: Encourage your team to speak up, share ideas, ask questions, and express concerns. Create forums for feedback and brainstorming sessions. Establish psychological safety to promote a strong team culture.
3. Provide training and support: Offer ongoing opportunities for professional development and training to help your team members grow their skills and confidence. Empower them to own their learning and development.
4. Celebrate successes and learn from mistakes: Recognize team members’ achievements and milestones. Foster a culture of learning from mistakes, where team members feel comfortable discussing their missteps and developing strategies to avoid them in the future.

“Focusing on avoiding mistakes takes our focus away from becoming truly exceptional.”
― L. David Marquet, Turn the Ship Around!: A True Story of Turning Followers into Leaders

Conclusion

With the Waterline Principle, orthodontists can empower their teams, promote leadership, and encourage growth and learning from mistakes. By implementing the principles of autonomy, accountability, and mutual trust, orthodontists can create a positive and productive workplace culture that benefits both team members and patients. Remember, as an orthodontist, our success is not only measured by how straight our patients’ teeth are. It is also measured by how well we manage and lead our team. Take the first step towards positive change today.