What Kind of Leader Are You?
Leadership in dentistry comes in many flavours. Some lead by command, others by example. Some rely on hierarchy, others lean on camaraderie. But in today’s practices—where patients have more choice, teams have higher expectations, and stress is ever-present—the traditional styles of leadership often fall short.
Let’s explore the most common styles of leadership—and why one stands head and shoulders above the rest.
- Directive Leadership
Think: “Do as I say.”
This top-down style can be efficient in a crisis, but it often breeds dependency and fear. Tasks get done—but only when the leader is present.
- Pacesetting Leadership
Think: “Follow me.”
You set the pace, work tirelessly, and hope the team keeps up. It works with highly motivated individuals, but often results in burnout and resentment.
- Affiliative Leadership
Think: “People come first.”
Warm and people-focused, this style builds harmony—but often avoids challenge or accountability, which limits growth and results.
- Democratic Leadership
Think: “Let’s decide together.”
Involving the team in decisions creates buy-in, but without clarity and structure, it can slow down momentum.
- Coaching Leadership – The Game Changer
Think: “How can I help you succeed?”
A coaching approach is different. It’s not about control, charm, or consensus. It’s about cultivating potential—in others and in yourself. Coaching-style leaders ask great questions, listen deeply, and build environments where individuals take ownership of their development, their behaviours, and their impact on the team.
Why Coaching Works (When Nothing Else Does)
When team members are underperforming, resistant to change, or seem disengaged, most practice owners respond with reminders, pressure, or avoidance.
But a coaching approach creates something different: curiosity, clarity, and commitment.
- A nurse who cuts corners on protocols? Through coaching, you discover it’s not laziness—it’s uncertainty and lack of confidence.
- A receptionist who resists upskilling? A coaching conversation uncovers fear of being replaced.
It’s only through a coaching lens that we get to the root of the issue—and create real change.
From Frustration to Follow-Through
Ever asked a team member to do something and then found it still undone a week later?
Coaching gives you tools to gain agreement, not just compliance.
You’ll learn how people process information, make decisions, and respond to motivators. So you can frame requests in a way that lands—and gets acted upon. It means fewer reminders, less stress, and more time spent on high-value work.
Smarter Recruitment, Better Retention
Hiring the wrong person costs time, energy, and morale. Coaching leaders know how to match behaviours, attitudes, and motivations to the job role. Not just skills. Not just CVs. But the deeper wiring that predicts performance.
By using coaching techniques like behavioural profiling and value-based interviewing, you’ll attract people who fit—and help them thrive.
Become Your Own Best Coach
Perhaps the biggest secret? Once you’ve learned coaching, you’ll use it on yourself too.
You’ll:
- Clarify your personal and professional goals
- Identify what holds you back
- Build practical action plans that align with your values
- Stop procrastinating and start progressing
Coaching isn’t just something you do. It’s something you become.
Why ILM Level 5
The ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring is a respected, practical, and highly applicable qualification for dental professionals who want to lead and communicate more effectively.
You’ll gain:
- An externally accredited qualification recognised across industries
- The skills to coach individuals and teams—whether in clinical settings, practice ownership, or management
- A clear exit pathway should you ever want to explore roles in teaching, mentoring, or leadership outside of clinical dentistry
The Tools You’ll Learn
During the ILM Level 5 programme, you’ll develop tools that include:
- IGROW, OSCAR, and CIGAR coaching frameworks
- SWOT and SAW analysis for planning
- Cognitive assessment of thinking and behaviour styles
- Disney Strategy for innovation
- Silent coaching and success wheels
- Real-world business coaching opportunities
- Modelling excellence and seeing situations from multiple perspectives
Blended Learning that Fits Your Life
We know you’re busy. That’s why this course is delivered in a blended format:
- Online sessions save time and travel
- Face-to-face training builds connection and practical competence
It’s flexible, effective, and designed for working dental professionals.
Who Is This For?
This programme is ideal for:
- Practice owners who want to reduce stress and increase autonomy in their team
- Managers who want to communicate and lead more effectively
- Associates exploring leadership or ownership roles
- Nurses, receptionists, and treatment coordinators aiming for promotion or increased responsibility
- Clinicians looking for a formal mentoring role within the Deanery or wider organisation
Course Overview
- Start Date: Thursday 3rd July 2025 (online)
- Further dates:
- 18th Sept (online),
- 16th Oct (online),
- 6th Nov (face-to-face, Leicester),
- 1st Dec (online)
- Investment: £1,495 + VAT
- Location: Online & Leicester
- Includes: Tutor support, written assignment guidance, 18 hours of live coaching, and reflection tools
Final Thought
A coaching approach is not just another skill. It is a way of leading that changes everything—from recruitment to retention, from motivation to results.
If you’re ready to lead with more confidence, clarity, and calm, the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring could be your next step.
📩 For more information or to reserve your place, email Jane@IODB.co.uk
