When it comes to delegating work to staff, managers rarely hit a happy medium. Instead, they tend to fall at the ends of the spectrum: those who do not delegate enough and those who delegate too much. But by far, it is the under-delegators who are greatest in number. And it is under-delegation that most causes employees to lose interest in their jobs. Lack of delegation is … [Read more...] about How to master the art of delegation
Managing staff
How one irritated patient can start a social media firefight
By Lynne Curry bio Here's the scenario: One of your physicians considers himself "a law unto himself." When an employee or patient protests how he treats them, he wastes no time telling the employee or patient why they are wrong or where to find the exit door. You've tried for years to get this physician to take it easier on people. No such luck. You've begged … [Read more...] about How one irritated patient can start a social media firefight
What we’re overlooking when it comes to time management
By Brady Wilson bio Many times, I've seen business leaders send their employees off to time management courses in the hopes that the training will help increase engagement and productivity. Many times, I've seen those same leaders show bewilderment when the training doesn't seem to have any impact—or worse yet, results in employees being less engaged and less … [Read more...] about What we’re overlooking when it comes to time management
How one manager makes mandatory staff training fun
Staff need not respond with groans when you say the word "training," even if that training is complicated. Leigh Payne, RN, manager of Good Shepherd Medical Group Pediatrics in Hermiston, OR, has found a way to actually get staff enthusiastic about mandatory training. Good Shepherd Medical Group operates a family practice and specialties clinic in a growing rural town in … [Read more...] about How one manager makes mandatory staff training fun
A 10-step workplace violence prevention and liability management plan
This will help you prevent workplace violence and manage your medical office's liability risks. You don't need us to tell you that violence in the workplace has become a major societal problem. You probably also recognize that taking steps to keep violence out of your own workplace is not only a moral but a legal imperative. But what you may not know is exactly how to go about … [Read more...] about A 10-step workplace violence prevention and liability management plan
5 things you should never say to your staffers
Without realizing it, a manager can create conflict. It comes from the way staff's interruptions, questions, and suggestions get handled. Here are five automatic and all too common bad responses. 1 "I don't have time for that now" A staffer comes in with a question, the manager is in the middle of work, and the response is "not now" or "can't you take care of that … [Read more...] about 5 things you should never say to your staffers
Is your medical practice’s social media policy adequate?
By Nick Hernandez bio By now every physician should be aware of the benefits that can be bestowed upon their practice as a result of social media. Indeed, many practices are engaging in one or more social media platforms on a regular basis. Moreover, staff members are most definitely active in social media, and probably use it while at work. Physicians and … [Read more...] about Is your medical practice’s social media policy adequate?
Report highlights need for greater focus on employee health
Medical practices often stress to their patients the benefits of good nutrition and exercise. And that advice extends to staff members. The cost of obesity By some estimates, Americans spend as much as $316 billion annually on obesity-related medical treatment, and obesity-related absenteeism is estimated to cost employers $8.6 billion in lost productivity. The fattest … [Read more...] about Report highlights need for greater focus on employee health
A four-day week improves quality of life as well as revenues for Florida office
Four days on with Fridays "sort of " off is terrific, says the practice manager of a five-physician, 28-staff medical office in Florida. Quality of life is improved with that extra day every week, she says. And the added advantage is that revenues are above and beyond what they were previously. The practice manager proposed the four-day schedule several years ago when gas was … [Read more...] about A four-day week improves quality of life as well as revenues for Florida office
Effective communication leads to greater staff engagement and better company reputation
A recent Harris Poll that examines the relationship between effective employee communication and perception of employer reputation finds companies that truly connect with their workers may have found themselves a secret ingredient after all. As a whole, American workers rate their employers' reputations favorably, with more than two-thirds of employed Americans rating their … [Read more...] about Effective communication leads to greater staff engagement and better company reputation