By Steve M. Cohen bio Medical offices are a unique brand of organization that frequently face their own challenges and opportunities. A good example involves situations where one or more relatives work together in the office. This "nepotism" is not always as negative as that may sound, but it does raise several possible concerns. I would not avoid the situation … [Read more...] about Office “families” require work, no matter the makeup
Your career
Social media: things are not always what they seem
By Steve M. Cohen bio Most people see social media as a means of connecting to other people and communicating with those outside their immediate circle. Especially in the business world, this can be shallow and naïve. For job seekers, social media is a means of cultivating and projecting an image that highlights skills and benefits for a prospective employer. For … [Read more...] about Social media: things are not always what they seem
These office engagements don’t involve a ring
By Steve M. Cohen bio It's always exciting when someone at the office gets engaged to marry. There's another type of engagement that is important at work: engagement in the job. For any staff member, manager or even an owner/partner, there are key questions: Are you engaged? Is your staff engaged? The answers are critical. I often quote the Gallagher Organization. … [Read more...] about These office engagements don’t involve a ring
Accountability is a two-way street for medical office managers
By Steve M. Cohen bio One pitfall that's tough to avoid is human nature. Call it psychology or individual weakness, it almost always comes down to traps that you should avoid. One of the easiest things to stumble over involves seemingly straightforward missteps that can have an office manager labeled "hypocritical." Seldom is this more on display than in areas … [Read more...] about Accountability is a two-way street for medical office managers
What are your chances of finding a new job?
If you're not on social media, you could be missing out on a new employment opportunity. Indeed, avoiding a professional online presence may be hurting your chances of finding a new job. More than one-third of employers (35 percent) say they are less likely to interview job candidates if they are unable to find information about that person online, according to an annual social … [Read more...] about What are your chances of finding a new job?
Reference checking: I thought they weren’t allowed to say that
What's your understanding of the reference checking process? If you're like most managers and job seekers, you probably think former employers are only allowed to confirm previous employment dates and title. Certainly they cannot, and will not, offer negative commentary about workers as it would be a violation of corporate policy—and perhaps it is illegal as well. If this is … [Read more...] about Reference checking: I thought they weren’t allowed to say that
Dealing with loss as a health care professional
Everyone experiences the loss of a loved one at some point in life, but many health care professionals deal with death every day. Nurses, as well as members of a medical office staff, often become shoulders to cry on and emotional sounding boards for their patients' families, which can make it difficult for them to deal with their own grief in a healthy way. Author, nursing … [Read more...] about Dealing with loss as a health care professional
Networking online is crucial, but it needs to be done right
When Americans need to make personal connections, they are increasingly doing so via the Internet. A 2014 study by the Pew Research Center finds that 74 percent of adults who go online use a social networking site, whether it's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or something else. "It's clear that nearly everyone makes an effort to connect some way through social media," says … [Read more...] about Networking online is crucial, but it needs to be done right
Jobs in healthcare plentiful, according to report
The healthcare job industry showed steady growth last year, with no signs of slowing down in 2015, according to the 2014 Healthcare Jobs Snapshot, a report from Health eCareers, a career hub for healthcare professionals, providers, and associations. As of January, federal officials reported almost 10 million people had signed up for health insurance or re-enrolled in their … [Read more...] about Jobs in healthcare plentiful, according to report
Don’t take anything for granted
By Steve M. Cohen bio Both managers and employees should keep in mind that taking things for granted is usually a mistake. Although the psychology is fascinating, from a workplace perspective a key point is that you shouldn't dismiss something unless you're absolutely sure you have a replacement. That goes for a job, and it goes for good employees. Neither … [Read more...] about Don’t take anything for granted