Leaders: To Be or Not to Be?

Authors

William Chase DDS, MAOM, Retired ClinicianFollow

Abstract

A guest editorial by former MDA Journal editor Bill Chase discusses the importance of becoming an effective leader, drawing inspiration from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Dr. Chase highlights key leadership qualities: positive influence, being a role model, competence, charisma, assertiveness, and conflict resolution skills. Successful leaders are transformational, inspiring others and demonstrating competence and confidence. Importantly, they should handle conflicts by initiating dialogue rather than debate, respecting all followers’ opinions. The former editor believes these traits reflect high Emotional Intelligence (EI), which includes self-awareness, motivation, empathy, and social skills, adding that the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) promotes leadership development through its LEAD Program.

Recommended Citation

Chase, William DDS, MAOM (2025) "Leaders: To Be or Not to Be?," The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association: Vol. 107: No. 10, Article 3.
Available at: https://commons.ada.org/journalmichigandentalassociation/vol107/iss10/3