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Professional News Articles : FRONT DESK by Mary M. Byers, CAE : Develop an entrepreneurial mindset

Develop an entrepreneurial mindset

December 06, 2005

Though you're an employee, you can become more effective in your current position by developing an entrepreneurial mindset. Here's how:

Realize that you have the power to improve. No matter how good you are at what you do, there's always a way you can improve your skills. Start by identifying what you'd like to learn to do better, then get to work learning it.

Realize the buck stops with you. Entrepreneurs know that they must accept accountability for their actions if they are to succeed. The same is true in the dental office. When you make a mistake, admit it. Then, apologize for it. Finally, do what you can to rectify the situation or undo the damage. This final step is the most important when it comes to developing yourself as an employee.

To know more, notice more. Watch what your fellow employees do in the office each day. By doing so, you can cross-train yourself on some else's job. Identify another staff member you admire and watch how they complete their work and make decisions. Perhaps you can learn something from then that will be applicable to your own work.

Ask for, and accept, additional responsibility. There's one sure way to become more valuable to the practice you work for: do the work you're given masterfully, then ask for additional responsibility. What needs to be done around the office that's currently being overlooked? Approach your boss and ask if you can have the responsibility for the activity you've identified.

Realize it takes money to make money. Many dental employees expect the office they work for to cover the majority of their work-related expenses, such as providing a clothing allowance or paying for necessary continuing education courses. If there's something you need, and the practice won't pay for it, be willing to invest in yourself by buying what you need. The upfront expense will pale in comparison to the long-term benefit to you.

Be willing to work extra. Don't be a clock watcher. Entrepreneurs understand that they will likely have to work long and hard in order to enjoy success. The same is true for employees. If you have to limit your work load due to family commitments, be sure to let your employer know. Otherwise, be the first to offer to stay late when a dental emergency keeps the office open past closing time or when a heavy workload requires it.

Practice generating lots of ideas. Many entrepreneurs are characterized by an active mind that generates more ideas than could ever be implemented. The smart entrepreneur writes every idea down, evaluates each individually, and chooses to focus on only the best ones. You can do the same by generating ideas for your practice, sifting through them, and then sharing the most promising ones with your boss and/or office manager.

Don't let fear stop you. What's the next logical step for you to take in order to advance your career? Perhaps you're an assistant who's considering attending hygiene school. Or maybe you're the office manager and would like to learn more about marketing. If the idea creates fear, don't let it stop you. Even the most accomplished, confident people experience fear when they consider doing something new or different. Successful people are willing to feel the fear—then move through it.

When you embrace the tenets of an entrepreneurial mindset, you'll automatically become more effective as an employee. The roadmap above with help you do so.

CDS presents Front Desk, a column addressing problems dentists and staff members experience in the office. Front Desk is prepared by Mary M. Byers, CAE, a professional speaker and freelance writer who previously served as director of communications and member services at the Illinois State Dental Society. New columns will appear online on a monthly basis. If you have a suggestion for topics to be covered, or any comments on this column, drop us a line, review@cds.org. Ms. Byers may also be reached at mbyers@marybyers.com or www.marybyers.com.

Copyright 2005, Chicago Dental Society