Ben Richardson breaks down the psychology of leadership, and how you can implement it within your own career.

The psychology of leadership attempts to explain how leaders can use the science of psychology to be better leaders and improve the performance of their teams. It puts to rest the long-standing debate regarding whether great leaders are born or made. Great leaders understand and willingly cultivate the traits and behaviours that will make their leadership effective. The meaning of leadership varies between cultures, and has also evolved over time. The current prevailing view is that leadership skills are nurtured, and great leaders are made as opposed to being born with these traits.

Leaders play a crucial role in the dental practice, just as they do in any other organisation. The leaders in the dental practice often encounter significant stress as their decisions can have far-reaching and long-term direct effects on real people. It is often the case that clinicians and dental nurses take up managerial positions after years of service in the dental profession. When this happens, they may have to deal with the conflict between their administrative duties and their clinical duties. They might also face resistance and non-cooperation from their colleagues who object to this change of roles.

Many clinicians and dental nurses may themselves view managerial positions in a negative light - as something that takes away from their clinical time. Even if the clinicians and nurses are excellent at their clinical practice, it will not automatically translate into excellence in leadership. They may lack the skills required to step into leadership roles. Before the transition, dental professionals should undergo leadership training. This will help them understand and relieve the tension between their clinical identity and the additional new role of a leader.
There is very little healthcare leadership literature focused on dentistry, and most of it deals with outdated concepts. Dentistry and dental care practice need to embrace and demonstrate the contemporary ideas of leadership. A leader in the dental profession will benefit from the understanding of the various leadership styles.

Dental professionals in leadership positions must develop a repertoire of leadership tools that they can adapt and use in different situations. Leadership is less about primal virtues and more about acquiring the right skills.

Leading does not involve mechanical tasks. It is important to understand the human side of management, to make it work in the favour of the organisation.

Ways in which psychology can strengthen leadership

Psychology helps leaders to make sense of human behaviour and responses. It may not have all the answers to the questions that arise while leading people. But, it does provide a better understanding of the human mind, and therefore puts leaders in a better position to influence and guide their teams.

With psychology, leaders can influence what their followers want to do, not just what they are willing or forced to do because of rewards or punishments. Leadership is no longer a thoroughly top-down process. Leaders must find and utilise a position within the group, rather than directing from above it. In this context, dental clinicians and nurses who advance to leadership positions have an advantage. They have already been a part of the group for years, and know its workings well. All they need to master is how to positively influence this group from within.

In the dental clinic settings, a leader will have to understand and manage the clinicians, nurses and even the reception staff. Here are the ways in which leaders can use psychology to strengthen leadership.

Leading by example

The leaders in the dental profession should show commitment to work that goes beyond duty and crosses over into passion. They must visibly embody what they are advocating. In the new psychology of leadership, the leader forges a psychological bond with his followers which is based on an internalised sense of shared social identity.

In their daily interactions, the leaders should demonstrate the characteristics and behaviour that they want their group to emulate. It is about adopting a nuanced approach to inspire the people around to perform better. Because of shared social identity and the power of transference, the group will follow the leader. The leaders can encourage critical thinking and problem solving by taking initiative and leading by example.

Positivity

According to psychology, emotions are contagious and so is the positivity of the leader. With a positive attitude, anyone in the leadership position can have a buoyant influence on the working environment. The psychological capital of the group is affected by the psychological capital of its leader.

Effective communication

With the help of cognitive psychology, leaders can gain a better understanding of how people perceive information and process it. Effective communication breeds trust.

The leaders must show genuine empathy and listen attentively to understand. The communication needs to be transparent, positive and respectful. Leaders must not be afraid to show vulnerability. Selection of the right time, place and method for communication is crucial. In the dental clinic setting, it helps to have an open door policy.

Motivation

If leaders understand motivation psychology (how biological, psychological and environmental factors affect motivation), they will be able to hone their ability to refocus the team when the motivation levels are wavering.

Lifelong learning

Psychological science encourages and enhances lifelong learning. Dental professionals can seek professional development for improving the leadership skills. Proper training will help them cope with the challenges of their new role and ensure the alignment of the various roles they perform.

Learning and training are not limited to the leader. When the leader demonstrates a passion for learning, it is reflected in the group. The leaders should allow the group to benefit from their expertise through teaching and mentoring. In this way, they can cultivate an environment that facilitates continuous improvement.

Understanding the psychology of leadership will enable dental leaders to set their teams up for success. They will be able to solve issues that lie beneath the surface and provide timely support to the team. With empathy, the leaders can work effectively with a diverse and inclusive team as well. Effective leadership can transform masses, but it first requires the transformation of the psychology of the leader.

For more information visit https://www.acuitytraining.co.uk/news-tips/10-tips-for-first-time-managers-infographic/

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