The partnership paradigm: leading teams in private practice

Mark Topley discusses a new approach to leading teams in private practice to create a workplace where everyone thrives.

We all appreciate that there’s a great deal that goes into building a successful practice – clinical excellence, patient care, and efficient operations – but none is more critical than the strength of your team. 

The old leadership model, where leaders issue orders and teams follow without question, no longer works in today’s world. Employment relationships have evolved from transactional to transformational, and private dentistry must adapt to this shift.

By treating your team members as partners rather than subordinates, you can unlock their potential, boost your productivity, and create a practice where everyone thrives – patients included. This is the essence of the partnership paradigm, a leadership mindset that transforms private practices into places where high-calibre professionals want to work, patients feel valued and outcomes improve for everyone.

From transactional to transformational

The traditional view of employment as a transactional relationship – a simple exchange of work for pay – is outdated. Today’s workforce, particularly younger generations, seeks more than a pay cheque. Employees want purpose, growth, and a sense of belonging. They want to feel that their work matters and that their contributions are valued.

In private dentistry, this shift is especially significant. Practices are no longer just workplaces; the very best ones are communities where people collaborate to deliver exceptional patient care. Recognising this change is essential for attracting and retaining motivated, engaged team members.

Transformational leadership focuses on development, autonomy and shared purpose. It’s about moving from ‘how can I get the most out of my team?’ to ‘how can I help my team become their best selves?’ 

When you invest in your people, they invest in your practice.

Why partnership works

Viewing your team members as partners rather than subordinates changes the dynamic in profound ways. There are three key benefits of adopting this mindset:

• Attracting high-calibre people
• Boosting productivity
• Enhancing the patient experience.

Attracting high-calibre people

Talented individuals want more than a job; they want a workplace where they can grow, feel valued and make a difference. A partnership mindset shows potential hires that your practice is a place where their skills will be developed and their contributions recognised. This attracts top-tier professionals who are motivated to excel.

Boosting productivity

When team members feel like partners, they take ownership of their roles. They’re more likely to go above and beyond because they see their success as tied to the practice’s success. 

This sense of shared responsibility creates a motivated, high-performing team that drives better outcomes.

Enhancing the patient experience

A happy, engaged team creates a positive atmosphere that patients can feel. 

When team members are empowered and aligned with the practice’s purpose, they deliver exceptional care that keeps patients coming back. Happy teams lead to happy patients.

How to build a partnership culture

Shifting to a partnership paradigm requires intentional changes in how you lead. Here are some practical steps to get started.

Focus on development

The best people want to grow, both professionally and personally. Offer training opportunities, mentorship and a clear path for advancement. This not only enhances their skills but also shows that you’re invested in their future.

For example, in my Great Boss Bootcamp, we teach leaders to see development as a core part of their role. Whether it’s coaching team members through challenges or helping them identify their next career step, growth becomes a shared goal.

Grant autonomy

Micromanagement stifles motivation and creativity. Instead, give team members the autonomy to make decisions within their areas of expertise. This doesn’t mean stepping back entirely – it means providing guidance, setting clear expectations and trusting your team to deliver.

One of the principles I emphasise in leadership coaching is ‘freedom within a framework’. Set the boundaries, but let your team decide how to achieve the desired outcomes. This approach builds trust and empowers individuals to take ownership of their work.

Create a sense of purpose

Purpose is a powerful motivator. Help your team members see how their work contributes to the practice’s mission and the wellbeing of patients. Share stories of the impact your practice has on patients’ lives and celebrate successes as a team.

In private dentistry, purpose can be as simple as reminding team members that they’re not just fixing teeth – they’re improving lives. 

By connecting daily tasks to a bigger vision, you give your team members a reason to care deeply about their work.

Listen and involve your team

Partnership means collaboration. Involve team members in decision-making processes and seek their input on how to improve the practice. Regularly ask for feedback and act on it. 

When people feel heard, they feel valued – and they’re more likely to contribute their best ideas.

The role of leadership in the partnership paradigm

The partnership paradigm doesn’t mean giving up your leadership role; it means leading differently. 

As a leader, your role shifts from being the one with all the answers to being the one who supports, develops and inspires your team.

This requires self-awareness and a commitment to continuous growth. Leadership isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress. Be willing to learn from your team members, adapt to their needs, and model the behaviours you want to see.

Real-world results of transformational leadership

When leaders adopt the partnership mindset, the results speak for themselves. Teams become more engaged, turnover decreases and the overall culture improves. Practices that embrace this approach often find that patient satisfaction and loyalty increase, too.

Last year, as a judge for the Private Dentistry Awards, I had the privilege of seeing some truly exceptional practices shine. What stood out most was how the very best practices embraced a holistic approach to leadership, one that prioritised their teams as much as their results.

A hallmark of the winning practices was how they put their people front and centre – literally. Every winner ensured their team went onto the stage first, often stepping aside to let others take the spotlight. One principal gave the award to a team member and stood to the side for the photograph, while another stayed off the stage entirely, capturing the moment on video as their team celebrated.

This is a powerful reminder that great leadership isn’t about claiming the glory; it’s about empowering others to succeed. These leaders recognised that their practice’s success was built on the collective effort of the entire team. By creating a culture of development, autonomy and shared purpose, they unlocked the full potential of their people.

This kind of leadership fosters loyalty, motivation and pride, and it doesn’t just stop at the team. Patients notice the difference too. 

Practices that lead in this way build stronger connections, deliver better care and stand out as places where everyone – staff and patients alike – wants to be. It’s a clear example of how the best leaders inspire through humility and a genuine commitment to their people.

Start your journey to partnership today

The partnership paradigm isn’t just a leadership style – it’s a commitment to creating a workplace where everyone thrives. By treating your team as partners, you’ll attract top talent, boost productivity, and deliver a superior patient experience.

Leadership in private dentistry is evolving, and practices that embrace this transformation will be the ones that succeed in the long term. 

Start today by reflecting on how you can incorporate development, autonomy, and purpose into your leadership approach. 

Small changes can lead to big results – for your team, your patients, and your practice.

Mark will be speaking at the North of England Dentistry Show on 8 March in Manchester. For more details and to register for free, click here.

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