To be an effective manager, learn the art of letting go. Learn how to delegate. Without delegation, any manager ends up doing everybody else's job and drowning in the work. But just as bad, staff never grow beyond the basics of their jobs. They never develop a sense of pride in their work, and they never experience a challenge. All they can do is become passive clones. Good … [Read more...] about Make your job easier by delegating more
Managing staff
Five employment law questions that crop up in just about every office
Here are five employment law questions on five unrelated topics. They are answered by attorney and employee relations consultant Jodi Eisenstadt. 1. To tell or not to tell How should the manager respond when a staffer brings in information about a legal violation in the office and asks the manager not to tell anybody? That’s a common problem for managers who have come up … [Read more...] about Five employment law questions that crop up in just about every office
Diversity in the workplace improving, but gaps remain
Recent research offers a lens into the drivers, limitations, and tactics of workplace diversity and inclusion. A survey from XpertHR, a leading resource for HR professionals, findings that companies of all sizes demonstrate progress, yet continue to face challenges with the diversity of their workforces. XpertHR's Diversity in the Workplace Survey of more than 600 companies, … [Read more...] about Diversity in the workplace improving, but gaps remain
There are no easy steps to better office management
By Steve M. Cohen bio I always enjoy it when people publish articles entitled something like, "Ten Easy Steps to Medical Office Management." I enjoy this, but I definitely don't agree with it. The word "easy" is usually so far removed from office management that headlines like this are good for a laugh. But the information that follows may or may not help. … [Read more...] about There are no easy steps to better office management
Adding to your team: prepare and prepare some more
By Steve M. Cohen bio Onboarding—hiring and orientation of new office staff—is one of my favorite topics. I say favorite, but it's often a seriously frustrating experience because onboarding is done badly so often, even horribly. As a result, we end up examining it a great deal or spending time and resources undoing the problems that result. One point I make … [Read more...] about Adding to your team: prepare and prepare some more
Health IT offers career growth opportunities, according to new survey
The first of its kind survey about health IT professionals—an evolving field that links information technology, communications, and health care to improve the quality and safety of patient care—addresses new data correlating education and experience with salary and job satisfaction in the field. The survey, from Bisk Education, a leader in online education, and USF Health … [Read more...] about Health IT offers career growth opportunities, according to new survey
Unexpected issues can impact medical office efficiency
By Steve M. Cohen bio I'm surprised at how often business owners and managers see office efficiency and personnel management as separate issues. Clearly, there are workflow designs or equipment issues that can make or break an organization and are not directly related to personnel. But like most workplaces, medical offices and their efficiency are usually a … [Read more...] about Unexpected issues can impact medical office efficiency
Better office communication? There’s an app for that
Hendricks Therapy is a private, out-patient, mental health practice in Danville and Plainfield, IN. The practice currently has 16 psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, a combination of full- and part-time. There are an additional 10 staffers and three managers to keep everything running at the two locations. Due to the nature of the practice, most schedules do not fall … [Read more...] about Better office communication? There’s an app for that
Five dangers in dealing with harassment claims
As with firing, the rules for handling sexual harassment claims are well known, yet employers still make mistakes, says management consultant Joseph Godwin of F&H Solutions Group in Asheville, NC. Here are five areas that warrant attention. 1. No, it’s not sour grapes Don’t dismiss any complaint, particularly one from a fired or demoted employee, as sour grapes or a lame … [Read more...] about Five dangers in dealing with harassment claims
Race and religion are tough. Don’t make them tougher
By Steve M. Cohen bio Let's face it: Race and religion can be difficult topics. Next to gender and sexuality, they often comprise a big part of how we see ourselves and, not surprisingly, how others see us. That's obviously true today. Disagreements, even violent confrontations, are occurring around the world every day over these very topics. Not surprisingly, … [Read more...] about Race and religion are tough. Don’t make them tougher