With Thanksgiving just a few days away, it’s time to think about how you’ll step away from the demands of managing a busy medical office and truly enjoy the holiday. As a medical office manager, you’re used to juggling responsibilities, solving problems, and keeping everything running smoothly. But even the best managers need a break, and Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity … [Read more...] about Take a Well-Deserved Break This Thanksgiving: How to Unplug and Recharge
Your career
The October Theory: An Easy Strategy for Improving Your Work Life
By Lynne Curry Question: When I returned to my job last week from my annual three-week vacation, I stopped in the breakroom for coffee. To my surprise, my colleagues’ conversations didn’t center on the election like they had before I left. Instead, my coworkers buzzed with excitement about “goals” and “results.” I asked one coworker, “What’s up?” and he told me he and … [Read more...] about The October Theory: An Easy Strategy for Improving Your Work Life
Winning at Office Politics
By Lynne Curry Question: I lost another opportunity this week, one on which I had my heart set. It involved working on a strategic team with individuals pulled from all areas of the company to develop key initiatives for our future. I had so many ideas of exciting directions we could take that I’m heartsick I lost out. The woman that corporate management selected from … [Read more...] about Winning at Office Politics
‘Well that was awkward!’
Awkward situations are bound to come up in any office, and handling them with a delicate touch can make all the difference. Navigating these moments effectively helps maintain a positive work environment and showcases strong leadership. Here are some common awkward scenarios—and how to handle them with grace. 1. Dealing with Personal Hygiene … [Read more...] about ‘Well that was awkward!’
8 proven ways to totally destroy your credibility as a manager
A manager can have great knowledge and great skills, but without credibility with both doctors and staff, don't expect success. What is credibility? It can be defined as "what we do and how we do it that causes others to respect and believe us." The "what-we-do" is the tangible things – the work and its results. The "how-we-do-it" is the behavior that demonstrates a person's … [Read more...] about 8 proven ways to totally destroy your credibility as a manager
Try the Pomodoro technique to focus on big projects
As a busy office administrator, you are constantly juggling multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities. It can be easy to get overwhelmed and feel like you are not making progress on anything. When you need to focus on a large project such as monthly financials, reviewing job applications, implementing new software or other jobs that take time and concentration, try closing your … [Read more...] about Try the Pomodoro technique to focus on big projects
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 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
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
Four fixes for job burnout
By Lynne Curry Are you burned out and not sure how to fix it? In 2024, emails from burned-out managers and employees have flooded my workplace coach inbox. Here’s what some have said: “I’m running on empty;” “mentally exhausted and emotionally drained;” “constantly on edge and irritable;” “on autopilot, just going through the motions, and don’t see any way out.” If you … [Read more...] about Four fixes for job burnout