When we lead an orthodontic practice, there is a significant challenge in leveraging a team and delegating effectively. We build teams and divide our work into departments, much like an orchestra. An orchestra is a group of instrument players that combine music from brass, string, woodwind, and percussion sections. An orchestra requires each of those sections to create beautiful music and to entertain its audience.
A well-run orthodontic practice plays like an orchestra. When music is in the air, the ensemble should work well together. Each player brings their skill and compliments it with the rest of the group. Furthermore, the conductor brings all those skilled players together to form a masterpiece. When we build an orthodontic team, the orthodontist leader is just like a conductor in an orchestra, putting together a skilled ensemble to deliver a remarkable performance.
A successful orchestra, just like a great orthodontic practice, requires leadership and skill across the group of individuals that make up its sections. In other words, an orthodontic team must learn to play well together and play in harmony to succeed. Here are some common threads between orthodontics and an orchestra:
A high-performing orchestra needs consistent practice
Each instrument player must practice their skill individually and must rehearse collectively. When you are a part of a team, each of your players must bring their best performance, but they must also work well together to keep the melody in tune. Although there are times where you might have a soloist who needs to perform their part, the whole orthodontic team needs to keep practicing and learning how to work together.
The conductor must guide and empower their performers
Each performer has a role to play in the orchestra. They must be able to count on each other to be there and know their part. Like the orthodontist, the conductor may know all the different roles but must empower each to perform at their best. The orthodontist should recruit team members to complement their skills, trust, and mentor them. The conductor does not play the instruments, and much the same, the orthodontist needs to delegate and guide the team to perform.
Share the success with your team
A conductor takes a bow but redirects the applause to the musicians. In orthodontics, the doctors need to take responsibility and share the credit with the team. Rejoice in milestones and achievements. Little or small, these celebrations help to applaud individual and team success.
