As the world mourns the recent passing of Henry Kissinger, a seasoned diplomat and strategic thinker, it’s worth revisiting some of his insights that could serve as an unexpected lesson for the most unexpected situations. Earlier this year, Kissinger made an intriguing statement regarding the Ukraine war, urging us to contemplate the potential repercussions of providing Ukraine with advanced Western arms and technology. His unique perspective raised the critical question: What if the country’s politics took an unexpected turn, posing a threat to Europe? It was a unique question from Kissinger no one was asking. This scenario, though hypothetical, underscores…
Posts Categorized:Leadership
The more I hang around top performers and study some of the best minds in marketing, management and leadership, the more I discover the best leaders and most effective people in any field are exceptional storytellers. Most doctors and dentists don’t give much thought to storytelling. This is a mistake and huge opportunity when you get better at sharing compelling stories that move people in the right direction. In the realm of dentistry and orthodontics, every interaction with patients, colleagues, or potential clients presents an opportunity to convey a compelling narrative. The power of storytelling lies not only in sharing what…
I hope this update finds you well and ready for a nice Thanksgiving holiday in the US. Today, I want to draw your attention to the remarkable achievements of Coach Bob Hurley, a true icon in the world of high school basketball coaching. At 65, Coach Hurley boasted a stellar record of over 1,000 wins and 25 state championships, making him a living legend in the game. In 2010, he was honored with induction into the prestigious Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a testament to his unparalleled contributions to the sport. However, what sets Coach Hurley apart is not…
Colorado’s record is 4-5 overall and their conference record is even worse but that hasn’t stopped their coach, Deion Sanders, from hosting a masterclass in confidence. The Wall Street Journal article by Callum Borchers is worth a read. Here are the notes I jotted down after reading it: A belief that you’re capable of greatness through hard work. Set high expectations to the point where people say “you’re crazy.” Many leaders struggle with employees’ loss of ambition. Sanders is a benevolent alpha, a leader who earns subordinates’ trust by showing he cares while holding them to his own high standard.…
In the world of healthcare, we often find ourselves facing a paradox. We’re trained to treat patients scientifically, to approach our work methodically, and to follow established protocols. But what if we were to reframe our perspective and view each patient as a unique form, a canvas waiting for our creative input, much like an artist confronts a blank canvas? This shift in mindset, inspired by the wisdom of Martin Buber, brings forth an artful approach to orthodontics, where we serve others properly by engaging the soul, embracing sacrifice, and confronting the risk of true transformation. The Eternal Origin of…
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted various industries, and the dental profession was no exception. Over half a million dental healthcare workers faced layoffs, furloughs, or reduced hours, causing a ripple effect across the industry. As the sector recuperates, attention to job security and understanding its association with corporate culture is crucial for professionals and stakeholders. Drawing on insights from a study by Donald Sull and Charles Sull, which analyzed 1.4 million employee reviews on Glassdoor, we can derive valuable lessons on building a resilient and secure work environment in the dental field. The Dental Industry and the Long Tail Effect…
I’m attending the 2023 British Orthodontic Conference in London and it has been such a fantastic meeting. After dozens of pages of notes, I’ve been copying down questions and topics to review with the orthodontic and pediatric dental residents I teach. I’ve also made a list of areas where I need to rethink my approach, including some really thoughtful questions on third molars and anterior open bite treatment proposed by Dr. Flavia Artese. My excitement continued to increase for direct printing of orthodontic aligners and 3d metal printing after listening to Dr. Simon Graf. The relationship between orthodontic treatment and…
Hey there, Ortho Warriors! 👋 It’s your friendly practice management enthusiast, Dustin, back with some fresh insights into the world of orthodontic practice culture. Buckle up, because today we’re diving deep into the three pillars that can make or break your practice’s vibe: Communication, Consistency, and Oversight. Let’s jump right in! 1. Communication: The Superpower of Smiles Picture this: a patient walks into your orthodontic office, filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. What’s the first thing they encounter? Your team’s warmth and welcoming smiles. Effective communication sets the tone for the entire patient experience. From the moment they…
As we step into another week, I’ve been pondering a thought-provoking quote: “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” These words from Heraclitus capture the essence of change, its inevitability, and the transformative power it holds. In today’s fast-paced world, change isn’t just a constant; it’s the defining feature of our journey. It’s like embarking on a river voyage where the water never stays the same, and neither do we. As the leader in your practice, we believe that understanding and adapting to change is not…
I had the pleasure of speaking with Emily Miller, founder and CEO of OffLimits, a brilliant cereal, toy and animation brand inside our portfolio of companies at Flagstaff Ventures. Her podcast interview on The Burleson Box launches next week. Be sure to check it out wherever you consume podcasts. She had some really interesting advice about doing big things. She said, “You almost need to be delusional going into a big new thing. If you knew how hard it was going to be, I think people would feel a lot more paralyzed to do it.” Emily leveraged her creative fashion…