The keys to improving staff performance
Staff members need to feel valued and part of a team. Sometimes in the hustle of getting through the day and taking casre of patients, practice leaders can forget to acknowledge staff and make them feel important. Quite simply, if you make CAM part of your every day thoughts and actions you will win staff over, keep them committed and reduce disenchantment and turnover. The CAM is communication, accountability and motivation. Communicate well. Let your staff know you appreciate their contribution and if there are areas where improvement is needed be willing to discuss it and provide improvement support before performance deteriorates. Accountability. Give employees clear direction and performance standards that define your expectations. Of course, this must be supported by training staff and giving them the tools to succeed, and if they fail to hit the mark hold them accountable by meeting with them and discussing ways to avoid a recurrence. Motivation. Yep, it's management's job to keep staff motivated. It's a matter of giving them an opportunity to grow their skills and remembering the old adage "compliment in public, criticize in private" - and make the criticism constructive. Also invest in your staff by giving them opportunity for continuing education and upward mobility. Help your insurance staff become certified coders, have your nurse and receptionist participate in conducting chart audits. Help your top performers move up the organizational ladder when job openings occur. Delegate tasks to staff to show your confidence in them and give you the opportunity to focus on responsibilities that require your expertise. By doing these simple things you create a great work environment that is a "win-win-win" for physicians, management and staff!