JACD 71-4 - American College of Dentists

National Leadership Symposium
18
Gordon J. Christensen, DDS, MSD,
PhD, FACD
Abstract
Leadership can be learned, especially
through careful observation of effective
leaders. Fourteen characteristics of
effective leaders in the dental office and
in organized dentistry are discussed.
These include: positive mental attitude,
faith, goals in life, organization, time
management, interdependency and
synergy, consistency, communication,
self-renewal, empathy and humility,
creativity, personal responsibility and
drive, ability to say no, and charisma.
Fourteen Characteristics of Effective Leaders
in Dentistry
Speaking on leadership at a meeting
honoring Art Dugoni is very easy.
All I have to do is describe his
characteristics, and we have the ultimate
definition of leadership. Art and I
crossed paths as we were in graduate
school in the early 1960s at the
University of Washington. I respected
him then, and his accomplishments over
the many ensuing years are verification
of my continued high regard for him.
I am pleased and honored to have the
opportunity to make this presentation
and to relate some of my own observations
on leadership as learned over my
many years in the dental profession, as
well as working in church and civic
leadership positions. The leadership
characteristics I will discuss have come
from many sources, including the biographies
of numerous well-known world
leaders in most areas of accomplishment,
and from my own observations.
Characteristics of Leadership
Whom do you recognize in your own life
experience as a leader? Was this person
a teacher, a colleague, a religious leader,
a politician, a parent, or a close associate?
Leaders are observed in many areas of
life, and disappointingly, often we
observe people in leadership positions
who cannot lead. A favorite statement
of mine is that some leaders are in their
position to lead and teach us, while
others only test our ability to tolerate
them until their term is over. The dental
profession is in need of leaders in all
aspects of activity. What are some of the
characteristics of leadership? My suggestions
will focus on the area I know
best—leadership in the dental office and
organized dentistry.
Positive Mental Attitude
I do not know of any single characteristic
of leaders that is more contagious and
uplifting to others than a positive mental
attitude. Each of us knows acquaintances
who exude optimism. Nothing is too
difficult for them to accomplish, or at
least they feel that way. The sky is the
limit. Every day is a good day.
On the contrary, it is difficult to
work for or with a person who is
negative, overly cautious, critical of
associates, who finds difficulty in every
suggestion, and has little good to say
about the tasks at hand.
Leaders who have optimistic attitudes
encourage the people who work with
them, make everyone feel happy and
good, give enthusiasm to even the hardest
task, and motivate people to action.
They are not afraid to take on difficult
tasks, and, usually, they are successful at
accomplishing them. Negative leaders
create low productivity, low expectation,
and discouraged, low-achieving followers.
Dr. Christensen is Founder
and Director, Practical Clinical
Courses, and manages, with
his wife Rella Christensen,
Clinical Research Associates.
Dr. Christensen also maintains
a private practice in Provo, UT.
info@pccdental.com.
2005 Volume 71, Number 4