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YOUR CAREER

How to make your best impression at a business lunch

Business lunches can be an important opportunity to build relationships, discuss business matters, and make a good impression. Good manners can help to create a positive and professional atmosphere, making the lunch more productive and enjoyable for all parties involved. Here are a few tips for good manners during a business lunch: RSVP promptly: If you are invited to a business lunch, be sure to respond as soon as possible to let the host know whether or not you will be able to attend. If you are unable to attend, provide a polite and timely decline. Dress appropriately: Business lunches often have a dress code that is more relaxed than a formal business meeting, but it is still important to dress in a professional and appropriate manner. Avoid clothing that… . . . read more.

MANAGING STAFF

‘I’m a threat to my boss because I’m smarter’

By Lynne Curry Over the years of your career, you may have found yourself on both sides of the following situation, first as a bright young staff member and later as a manager dealing with a brash new employee. Question: I am a threat to my supervisor. It’s not my fault, but it may cost me my job. Things were going well between my supervisor and I until last month. In an all-hands meeting, the CEO called on me, saying, “I know who can answer that question. Michael, can you explain it to everyone?” After I finished answering the question, I saw my supervisor’s face, and knew I’d pay a price for being called on. She’s been difficult to deal with ever since. She either ignores or jabs at me… . . . read more.

YOUR CAREER

The power of emotional intelligence: A guide for medical office managers

In today’s dynamic healthcare environment, the role of a medical office manager is more challenging than ever. Not only do you need to efficiently manage the administrative tasks, but you also play a crucial role in maintaining a positive work environment and fostering effective communication among your team members. This is where emotional intelligence (EI) comes into play. In this article, we will explore what emotional intelligence is, its significance in management, and provide practical steps to develop and enhance your emotional intelligence skills. Understanding Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize and manage your own emotions while effectively understanding and responding to the emotions of others. It comprises several key components, including self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills. When applied in a managerial role, emotional intelligence… . . . read more.

YOUR CAREER

Navigating career growth: 6 advancement opportunities for medical office managers

Are you looking to make a move along your career path? Here are six directions a medical office manager can go, often within the same practice or healthcare organization: Practice administrator: A promotion to the role of practice administrator involves overseeing the overall operations and management of a healthcare practice. This position offers a broader scope of responsibilities, including financial management, strategic planning, staff supervision, and maintaining regulatory compliance. It provides an opportunity to take on a leadership role and shape the future of the practice. Regional manager: As a regional manager, you would oversee multiple medical office locations within a specific geographic area. Responsibilities include coordinating the smooth operation of each office, managing budgets, implementing standardized procedures, and fostering collaboration among different teams. This role allows you to gain… . . . read more.

YOUR CAREER

5 reasons to turn down a promotion … and how to do so tactfully

Should you take a promotion if it is offered to you? Perhaps, but it might not be your best move. Consider these reasons to turn down a promotion and stay right where you are—successfully managing your medical office. Loss of work-life balance: Consider whether the promotion would significantly impact your work-life balance. Assess if the increased responsibilities would require longer hours, increased stress, or decreased flexibility, which may affect your overall quality of life. Misalignment with career goals: Reflect on whether the promotion aligns with your long-term professional aspirations. Assess if it offers growth opportunities in areas that you are passionate about or if it veers your career path away from your goals. Lack of interest or passion: Evaluate whether the new role aligns with your interests and passions. Consider… . . . read more.

PRODUCTIVITY

Time blocking strategies for success: A guide for medical office managers

Introduction: As a medical office manager, your role is crucial in ensuring the smooth operation of the office while managing various projects and tasks. To effectively handle the demands of a medical environment, implementing time blocking techniques can be highly beneficial. By strategically allocating your time, you can optimize productivity, streamline workflows, and successfully manage projects. Let’s explore how time blocking can specifically benefit you as a medical office manager. Prioritize Patient Care Initiatives: In a medical setting, patient care is of paramount importance. Time blocking allows you to prioritize initiatives that directly impact patient well-being. Allocate dedicated blocks to activities such as staff training on patient communication, implementing quality improvement programs, and ensuring compliance with medical regulations. By dedicating specific time slots, you ensure that essential patient care tasks… . . . read more.

YOUR CAREER

Cultivate these 7 habits for success

As an office manager, you are responsible for the efficient operation of your workplace. Your role requires you to balance multiple tasks, manage diverse teams, and keep things organized. To become a highly effective office manager, you can take inspiration from Stephen Covey’s timeless book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Here are some tips based on Covey’s teachings to help you excel in your role: Be Proactive—Being proactive means taking charge of your actions and outcomes. As an office manager, you have the power to influence how your workplace functions. You can start by identifying the key challenges and opportunities in your workplace and taking proactive steps to address them. For instance, if you notice that communication is a problem, you can set up regular team meetings, implement… . . . read more.

YOUR CAREER

Snappy comebacks WHEN you need them

By Lynne Curry The snappy comeback you wish you’d had when “Jim” sniped at you in the meeting, and you sat frozen and speechless. The silencing comment you wish you’d given “Brenda” when you walked past the break room and you heard her dissing you. Why don’t those comebacks arrive when you need them? Here’s why… When you experience a verbal attack or another threat, your habitual neural pathways get tripped. Your body moves into high-alert survival mode. Your body tenses and heart rate speeds up; you breathe rapidly and shallowly. You feel flushed or sweaty; turn white or red; and may feel nauseated or a knot in your stomach. The solution? Pause and breathe. By pausing and slowing your breathing, you activate your parasympathetic system, slow down your heartbeat,… . . . read more.

WORKPLACE WELLNESS

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 heavy workloads, long hours, inadequate staffing, and high levels of responsibility. Recognize the signs of burnout: Some common signs of burnout include chronic fatigue, irritability, cynicism, feelings of disengagement or detachment from work, reduced productivity, and physical symptoms such as headaches or gastrointestinal problems. Take care of your physical and mental health: Taking care of yourself is critical for preventing and managing burnout. Make sure… . . . read more.

3 steps to success for a new medical office manager

Dear Medical Office Manager: I’ve just been promoted to manager of a medical office. What should I do now to ensure success? Congratulations on your promotion! Here are three steps you can take to ensure success in your new role as a medical office manager: Get to know your team: Take the time to meet and build relationships with your staff. This will help you understand their strengths, weaknesses, and how they operate. Have one-on-one meetings: Schedule one-on-one meetings with each member of your team. This is a great opportunity to get to know them on a personal level, learn about their goals, and discuss any concerns they may have. Shadow your team: Spend time shadowing your team members as they perform their duties. This will give you a firsthand… . . . read more.


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