Doling out praise is easy, or at least it should be. Those on the receiving end almost always take good news well. Having a difficult conversation, providing constructive criticism, discussing errors, or addressing adversarial or unprofessional interpersonal relationships is far more difficult. A good leader can optimize a painful discussion. It is always important to … [Read more...] about Leaders Have Difficult Conversations
Leading the Team
Case Study: Excessive Cell Phone Use By Physician
Dr. P is a partner in a three-physician practice that has been pinched recently by increased costs of running a medical business. The group has identified several areas of concern, including staff inefficiency. Much of the staff’s wasted time is spent taking calls (or texts) on their personal cell phones during business hours. The practice has tried to set parameters for the … [Read more...] about Case Study: Excessive Cell Phone Use By Physician
Case Study: Your Patient ZD Applies for a Job in Your Practice
ZD is an established patient who does not miss appointments and adheres to the treatment plan outlined at each visit. Your office manager lets you know that ZD has applied for an office job opening and is by far the best applicant based on the resumes submitted. The office manager is excited by ZD’s potential and asks how you want to proceed. If the office interviews ZD and … [Read more...] about Case Study: Your Patient ZD Applies for a Job in Your Practice
Case Study: Employees Working at Different Speeds
CR and AT both work in triage for a practice. CR has been with the practice for 5 years and makes $2.00 more per hour than AT who has been with the practice for just 6 months. Despite having less experience at triage, AT is able to triage patients approximately 50% faster than CR. This has been noticed by others in the office including the physicians and especially AT. Recently … [Read more...] about Case Study: Employees Working at Different Speeds
Leaders Are Role Models—Be a Great One!
The most important rule for being a great role model is to avoid being a bad one. This sounds obvious but it is a trap easily fallen into (See our Case Study: Excessive Cell Phone Use by Physician). It is difficult for an obese physician to successfully counsel an overweight patient regarding the importance of weight loss. If there is a rule in the office against the … [Read more...] about Leaders Are Role Models—Be a Great One!