Extreme Ownership: Lessons from Navy SEALs for Running a Successful Dental Practice

"I haven't heard anything new in years." This sentiment expressed by one of my former clients resonates with the challenges faced by dental practitioners. Running a dental practice requires constant adaptation, innovation, and a zero-failure mentality. 

In my search for a philosophy that guarantees success, I turned to the Navy SEALs and their concept of Extreme Ownership. Drawing parallels between the training and missions of SEALs and the challenges faced by dental practices, we can learn valuable lessons on achieving excellence. 

In this article, we will explore how Extreme Ownership applies to running a dental practice and how it can drive success even in the face of obstacles.

Mission Setting Clear Goals 

Just like SEALs have a clear mission, dental practitioners need concrete goals. Written goals provide direction, focus, and discipline necessary for success. Your three-year plan must be concretely and concisely articulated. Ensure that your team understands and actively works towards the practice mission. Are your daily activities aligned with your goals? Regularly monitor progress and hold yourself and your team accountable for achieving those goals.

Continued Training and Conditioning:Evolving with Your Practice 

Successful dental practices are not stagnant; they evolve with time. Treat practice management systems as an ongoing, evolutionary process. Implementing systems, training, and solutions early in your career must be supplemented with continuous improvement. Invest in training your team consistently to align their skills and mindset with your practice mission. Routine feedback and development plans are essential to prepare your team for the challenges ahead.

Mental Fortitude: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Challenges 

A strong mind is vital for overcoming obstacles. Fear often hinders progress and prevents the implementation of new concepts. Understand that fear arises from the fear of failure or the unknown. However, with a clear mission, comprehensive training, and belief in the team's capabilities, fear subsides. Embrace the 40% rule from the SEAL program, where pushing beyond your perceived limits leads to exceptional results. Focus on "how" to achieve your goals rather than constantly seeking new ideas.

Leadership: Empowering Your Team

 Leadership should manifest throughout the mission, not just at the beginning or end. Effective leadership entails clear communication, strategy, course correction, and active participation in the mission alongside your team. Your team must understand their roles, goals, and the impact they make on the practice's success. Foster problem solvers and critical thinkers within your team, empowering them to handle challenges and make a difference. As a leader, surround yourself with a team that can carry out the mission while you focus on patient care.

Conclusion

Running a successful dental practice requires Extreme Ownership, just like the Navy SEALs exhibit. By adopting a zero-failure mentality, setting clear goals, providing ongoing training, cultivating mental fortitude, and empowering your team, you can overcome obstacles and position your practice for success. Remember, your extreme ownership and unwavering commitment are the foundation of your practice's prosperity. Embrace the SEAL philosophy of Extreme Ownership, and your dental practice will thrive amidst challenges.