By Steve M. Cohen bio Although human behavior covers a huge range, it can often be categorized into several general areas. One of these categories is "opportunistic" and could even be described as predatory. With this kind of behavior, the individual sees an opportunity to take advantage of a person or a situation and then does so. For example, I overheard two … [Read more...] about Office predators can take many forms
Topics
Are the expressions you use dating you?
Certain expressions immediately make people think of another era. Among these are the cat's pajamas, the apple of my eye, hold your horses, and a feather in your cap. Perhaps your parents or grandparents peppered their conversations with these expressions; if so, these sayings, while outdated, might make you smile. However, it's unlikely you'd tell an employee that an … [Read more...] about Are the expressions you use dating you?
10 tested ways to make your staff meetings more interesting and productive
Say the word “meeting” and people tend to groan. In fact, according to a survey conducted by Salary.com, which looks at where and how employees waste time, nearly half of those surveyed cite attending meetings as the biggest time-waster. But a meeting can be a positive experience. Really. As a medical office manager, a meeting offers you a leadership opportunity. It serves as … [Read more...] about 10 tested ways to make your staff meetings more interesting and productive
How to deliver a great presentation on any topic
To grow in the job, a manager has to communicate ideas and visions and recommendations. And the presentation of them counts. "It doesn't matter how good the idea or how brilliant the insight," if it isn't well articulated, it fails, says Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE, a San Francisco executive speech coach. Worse, the manager's career can fail right along with it. Here are the … [Read more...] about How to deliver a great presentation on any topic
Employee wellness
Editor's picks: Less than half of U.S. workers believe their employer supports a healthy lifestyle Why your medical practice should implement an employee wellness program—and how to do it Easy ways to make your medical office healthier … [Read more...] about Employee wellness
Double standards never work at work
By Steve M. Cohen bio An overly hard and arbitrary management style is rarely a good idea, but when it's directed at one employee or even one group of employees it's almost guaranteed to be a problem. I dealt with one manager who frequently resorted to a style that was harsh, arbitrary, and capricious behavior when dealing with one employee. The worker was … [Read more...] about Double standards never work at work
Office climate
Editor's picks: The surprising answer to what your staff really wants Austin practice showers staff with appreciation 3 ways you can boost office morale fast … [Read more...] about Office climate
4 easy strategies for remembering names and passwords
By Lynne Curry bio Which problem fits you? Your clinic has grown and you don't remember the names of all the employees and you realize this hurts some employees' feelings. Several of the sites you regularly access ask you to change passwords monthly and you have a hard time remembering the newer passwords. Several longtime patients expect you … [Read more...] about 4 easy strategies for remembering names and passwords
American workers struggling to make ends meet
Three-quarters of Americans (75 percent) are living paycheck to paycheck to make ends meet, according to a survey from CareerBuilder, a global leader in human capital solutions. Thirty-eight percent of employees say they sometimes live paycheck to paycheck, 15 percent say they usually do, and 23 percent say they always do. While making ends meet is a struggle for many … [Read more...] about American workers struggling to make ends meet
Homework for parents: your child’s back-to-school health checklist
As more than 50 million students head back to school, the nation's emergency physicians say now is the time to get everyone's health in check. "For many, the focus is on back to school clothes and supplies, which is important," says Jay Kaplan, MD, FACEP, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). "But it's equally, if not more important to also take … [Read more...] about Homework for parents: your child’s back-to-school health checklist