There are two distinct types of sports - team sports and individual sports. Growing up I played many years of lacrosse, obviously a team sport, and loved every minute of the game and the camaraderie. My 13-year-old son has chosen a different path and has been involved in the individual sport of barrel racing for many years.

Barrel racing is a fantastic sport to participate in and watch. For those of you who are not familiar with barrel racing, it involves riding a horse around barrels set up in a particular pattern. The rider is timed as well as judged on technique. It is every bit as stressful as playing lacrosse or soccer or running in a track meet.

The real difference between barrel racing and most other individual sports is that the horse can make or break the day. The rider needs to develop a relationship with the horse which can take quite some time. The horse needs to respect the rider and conversely the rider needs to show a respect for the horse and this mutual relationship will be good for both parties. The rider cannot be abusive to the horse or he will respond with lethargy. So it's a fine line that requires time and experience on the part of the rider to develop.

Once the proper relationship takes hold the rider works hard to motivate the horse and the horse responds with speed and eloquence. Some horses, however, try too hard and they develop a poor trait called being barrel-headed. A horse with barrel head tries so hard to make his rider happy that he is fast but sloppy and can knock over barrels or worse buck his rider. The horse means well but becomes ineffective and cannot be barrel raced.

In dentistry there are many different types of practices. Group or team practices can work very well and have their definite perks like coverage for time off or shared expenses in buying into new technologies. The individual or solo practitioner has a burden which can take its toll. Limited time off, always being on call and carrying the full load financially. One way is not right or wrong; it's what works for you. I am a solo practitioner and love it. I think that is where my son got his aspiration toward an individual sport like barrel racing.

Just as the horse can make or break the rider's day, your staff has this same ability. I am constantly learning from my son's experiences, and try hard to motivate those around me while avoiding over-exuberance or the dreaded barrel head. Look around for inspiration and to gain knowledge about how to position your practice and how to advance it. Advancement can be for profit, but it also can be to evolve your practice into a smooth-running organization based upon the mutual respect of you and your employees. That way it will be a place you look forward to going each day.

Work with your staff to develop that much-needed respect. Their job is a hard one that requires a balance between many different things. Respect from both sides leads to better, more efficient working conditions. It's hard and takes time but it is worth it and leads to a more profitable practice.

Don't be surprised if you look hard enough that some of your best ideas and inspirations come from the experiences of a 13-year-old.