Orthodontists measure many different areas of practice to become more efficient and effective. Many of these are lag measures of the effects we get from our efforts. Moreover, we truly look for the key ingredients to developing a successful practice with great talent, energy, and productivity. At the root of these ingredients are four types of intelligence: IQ, EQ, MQ, and DQ.
Intellectual Quotient (IQ)
IQ measures general intelligence. It is our intellectual quotient. Intelligence, smarts, and knowledge all help orthodontists to great achievement. We often have top students who perform well in the exams necessary to graduate from dental school and score in many other IQ metrics at the top of the class. Due to its competitive nature, the orthodontic specialty draws highly intelligent individuals.
The challenge I see in an orthodontic practice is building team IQ, so all employees work smarter and more effectively. Low IQ can decrease team energy since many efforts can be misdirected and conflicting. The average team orthodontic IQ can diminish when we hire new team members, and we must leverage veteran team members to coach and mentor recruits. Continuous efforts for training and learning help us raise the IQ in our organization.
Emotional Quotient (EQ)
Emotional intelligence, or emotional quotient, is the ability to identify, evaluate, control, and express emotions. We can consider these soft skills in business. Leadership relies on a high level of EQ. As smart as you are, most of your success will be guided by how well you interact with others.
Orthodontists with healthy EQ organizations focus on empathy, trust, respect, constructive conflict, collaboration, and effective teamwork. In contrast, an orthodontic team that lacks EQ will see conflicting egos, passive-aggressive behavior, office politics, and other negative business results. Therefore, building your EQ is a critical component of a successful orthodontic practice.
Meaning Quotient (MQ)
Meaning intelligence, or meaning quotient, relates to performing meaningful work and finding purpose in what we do. As orthodontists, we greatly impact our patients’ lives and have a tremendous impact on the teams that we lead. When we get lost in the daily work, we must identify and articulate our purpose. Therefore as a team, we have to be clear on our value proposition for our community and patients.
Teams with high MQ are clear on their “why” and understand what we do matters. Furthermore, purpose in the workplace can bring meaning in day-to-day work, a strong sense of community, team energy, attracting top talent, community awareness, and reputation.
Digital Quotient (DQ)
Digital intelligence has become an important attribute as our world has become more reliant on technology. Orthodontists with a high level of DQ can face the challenges and unleash digital opportunities. In addition, a high level of DQ incorporates augmented digital workflow, leveraging AI resources, digital marketing, data analytics, and driving growth beyond the current digital opportunities. Digital skills, education, online safety, resilience, and infrastructure are critical components to your DQ. Thus, orthodontic practices that invest in digital intelligence within their team pave the way to greater opportunities for growth and productivity.
