Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings, thoughts, and perspectives of others. It involves not only recognizing and acknowledging the emotions of others but also demonstrating care and concern for their well-being. In the context of a workplace leader, empathy is essential for several reasons: Building Trust: Empathetic leaders are more likely to earn … [Read more...] about Empathy an important workplace leadership quality
Managing staff
When staffers bully their supervisor
By Lynne Curry She came to work early, rarely took a full lunch break, and almost always worked past five p.m. Six of her nine staffers considered her an effective leader. She ran a successful department until her other three direct reports drove her out. Empowered by their victory, this “gang of three” ran off two successive managers before the company’s senior … [Read more...] about When staffers bully their supervisor
Surviving the bully boss when you’re a nice person
By Lynne Curry Question: I work for a supervisor who loves to take me apart. Last week, she invited me into her office and spent 30 minutes telling me everything I did wrong. When she finally wound down, I felt shattered and said, “Thanks, I need to get back to work.” Once at my desk, I discovered I couldn’t focus. The emails in my inbox seemed to swim, and I realized … [Read more...] about Surviving the bully boss when you’re a nice person
HR scenario: How do I handle ‘quiet vacationing’?
By Lynne Curry Question: I’m a small business owner and trust my employees. The majority are great. In the past two years, I’ve actively sought ways to reward them for hard work and keep them motivated. When our amazing summer began in May, I shortened our work week to four days for as long as summer lasted, giving every employee a guilt-free Friday off. I manage based … [Read more...] about HR scenario: How do I handle ‘quiet vacationing’?
How to outsmart manipulators in the workplace
By Lynne Curry If you’re locked in a work relationship with a manipulative boss or coworkers who learn you’re an easy mark, they’ll manipulate you until you recognize their games and find ways to outsmart them. Here’s what you need to understand and do to stop manipulators in their tracks. Start by understanding who and what manipulators are. Next, realize how you’re … [Read more...] about How to outsmart manipulators in the workplace
How to handle the departure of summer temps
As summer comes to an end, so does the tenure of many summer temps who have been assisting in your medical office. While their contributions may have been temporary, ensuring a smooth transition as they depart is essential for maintaining the efficiency and continuity of your practice. Here’s how you can effectively handle the departure of summer temps. 1. Conduct an Exit … [Read more...] about How to handle the departure of summer temps
Employee morale and your practice’s productivity: 5 easy ways to boost both
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio Employees' attitudes have changed over the years. Good, loyal employees want more than a paycheck and health benefits. Studies have shown that compensation does not even rate in the top 5 of what makes an employee happy with their job. I believe happy employees are productive employees and anyone who believes otherwise is overlooking the … [Read more...] about Employee morale and your practice’s productivity: 5 easy ways to boost both
How to recognize and deal with burnout
Here are some tips for medical office managers on why they might suffer burnout, how to recognize it, and what they can do to prevent and deal with it. Understand the causes of burnout: Burnout is a form of chronic stress that results from prolonged exposure to job demands that exceed a person's resources. For medical office managers, burnout can stem from factors such as … [Read more...] about How to recognize and deal with burnout
6 ways to dodge the dreaded performance review
Performance reviews: You don't like to do them, employees dread them and they may not be all that effective in improving work behavior. Here are five alternatives to an annual performance review. Regular feedback sessions: Instead of a once-a-year review, schedule regular feedback sessions throughout the year to discuss performance and provide feedback. These sessions … [Read more...] about 6 ways to dodge the dreaded performance review
The temp is gunning for my job
By Lynne Curry Question: I love my job as a midsize medical clinic’s administrative manager. That’s why my husband and I agreed I’d take only a short six-week maternity leave, and he’d take the full two months his employer offered. When I told the managing physician, he thanked me profusely for my commitment. I diligently searched for the best temporary replacement, … [Read more...] about The temp is gunning for my job