February 2004

Seven traits that help improve leadership

by Dr. Dennis Nikitow

Everywhere we go we see leadership. It exists on every level and in all facets of life. Doctors, C.A.s, waitresses, athletes, sales people, even children posses certain skills of leadership, i.e. the ability to take charge and move people toward a common vision or destiny.

It's important for all chiropractors to enhance their leadership skills to maximize their impact in their community, serve their patients and run a successful office. Developing these leadership traits will assure you success in your practice and your life.

1. "MVP" ‑‑  Leaders have a mission, vision and passion. A mission and vision is a direction you want to go or accomplishment you want to achieve or a service you want to deliver. For example, "serve as many people and their families as you can with chiropractic by educating them that they need a D.C. on their health care team to maintain their spine for maximum nerve integrity and optimum health potential." When you have a mission and vision you get enthusiastic about the potentials and become passionate in your actions. Passion comes from the heart and is magnetic to those you are around.

2. Purpose ‑‑  Leaders have purpose behind their mission and vision. The purpose is the "why" you have the mission. For example, many health problems are a result of lack of spinal maintenance and result in subluxations. People are unaware of this and end up treating symptoms with unnecessary drugs, surgeries or non‑corrective symptomatic manipulations. Spinal adjustments are for overall wellness not just back pain. Purpose keeps leaders doing the right thing...even when they don't do things right.

3. Servants ‑‑  Leaders are servants. They realize that to lead they have to serve first. To serve is to think of others first and how you can satisfy their needs with your "time, treasures and talents." Serving involves making sacrifices for the benefit of others. It involves putting relationships far above personal gain. Leaders realize that when you serve first, you always reap a harvest of rewards, at some point either directly or indirectly.

4. Character and integrity ‑‑  Leaders set examples for others to follow. Their character and integrity are reflected in their adherence to high morals and standards. Holding to what is right, they don't let foolish talk sway them or situations and circumstances dictate their principles. Leaders earn respect by respecting others. They remain humble, realizing their strength comes from a higher source.

5. Perseverance ‑‑  Leaders are determined and although they don't always win, they never fail. They realize that failing only comes from quitting. Leaders don't quit, they keep trying and their perseverance builds their character. They realize that these are only experiences, never failures. Life isn't supposed to be perfect, and it is your response to situations that is most important.

6. Courage ‑‑  Leaders take action to overcome fears. They have a system of doing things and are not paralyzed by the false idea that things need to be perfect before they act. Not afraid to make mistakes, they seek continuous action over perfection, stepping out to try new things. Leaders have a mission and purpose to accomplish in life and life is too short to waste by letting situations run them, resulting in opportunities slipping away.

7. Responsible ‑‑  Leaders take responsibility. They don't look for excuses. They seek solutions. They admit their faults and realize they are not perfect. Leaders are constantly seeking self‑improvement because they know they lead by example and if they are better, the people they touch will be better, too. They realize others depend on them, so they are decision makers. They acquire the necessary data, do their due diligence, make the decision and then act.

If you want to improve your practice, start by improving your leadership traits. As you become a better leader you will be a magnet for success. People will be attracted to you and your service. And, you will respect your community and change a lot of lives for the better.

(To learn more about Certainty Practice Products and Dr. Dennis Nikitow's upcoming seminar schedule, call 800/544‑3884. Outside the United States, 303/721‑6202.)