I was walking through the Spear Campus a while ago and ran into a client I have come to know well. "This must be at least the fourth time I have seen you here in the last several months," I said. He smiled. "I feel like it is important for me to come here regularly," he said. "I consider the people here to be part of my personal advisory board."He went on to explain that when he comes to the campus in Scottsdale, it's not just for the seminars and workshops, it's also to be around people who "get it."
This dentist wants to be around people who understand the purpose behind the ideal of providing great dentistry and who continually inspire and challenge him toward greater growth as a clinician and a leader.
This conversation reminded me that one of the greatest misconceptions about leadership is that it is a one-way street. There's this idea that a leader, whether the leader of a dental practice or of a large company, should have all the answers and provide perfect guidance all the time, based on just their own knowledge and instincts.
The truth is the best leaders—even the ones with the most determined personal visions—understand the importance of having that advisory board of creative thinkers to draw from. Successful CEOs, top athletes or renowned politicians all have faith in their abilities but also understand the value of harvesting intelligence from the best and brightest they can assemble around them.
There is no doubt that I have built a career on following my instincts. Some would even say I was stubborn in doing things my way when it came to many issues. However, I always realized that being the best meant surrounding myself with people who are better than I am at what they do. Sometimes it even meant (if my ego allowed it), listening to people who may be better than I am at what I do. To me, the reality was clear: surround yourself with the best and you can't help but get better.
So look at the people you surround yourself with and ask yourself if you are getting the most from their experience. Is your accountant just doing your taxes, or is he or she a part of your team and in tune with your plan? What about the specialists you refer to—or if you are a specialist, the GPs that refer to you? Are they just names of professionals in your orbit, or are they really partners in providing great care and people you feel aligned with and inspired by? What about your team, your education providers, the colleagues who share your outlook? If you really look, you will no doubt find an in impressive brain trust all around you.
Choose the people that can help you see your potential professionally, clinically and personally. These are the people who will challenge your assumptions, create positive disturbances and provide the motivation to drive you forward. Assemble your own personal advisory board and have the best minds you know contribute their expertise in the service of your unique vision.