Whether you have an office manager with great potential or are seeking someone to fill the OM hole in your practice, the article "Create a Champion" by Imtiaz Manji (co-owner and CEO of the Mercer Group of Companies) in June’s Dental Practice Report may be a worthwhile read. Here’s a rundown of skills and traits your dental office manager should have:
- Organization – to keep fires from starting
- Management – to keep the team well oiled, happy, and efficient
- Patient/Customer Service – to keep your patient base happy
- Dental Knowledge – to appear competent and stay motivated for practice growth
- Scheduling – to make the most of your time and maintain optimal revenue
- Coach-ability – so that you can direct him or her to become a custom-made OM that fulfills your unique needs and shares your practice vision
- Confidentiality – so that patient, employee, and practice information is kept private
- Accountability – to take responsibility as the leader you can trust with your business
Your current OM or OM candidates may possess all of these skills, but you have to set attainable expectations if he or she is to succeed. Trusting someone other than yourself with the practice you’ve worked so hard for can be challenging. However, when you find a motivated OM that keeps your office running smoothly, grows your business, and keeps your current patient base smiling, you will reap unprecedented benefits – one of which is peace of mind.