Tips for Managing a Team of Behavioral Healthcare Professionals
Leading a team of healthcare professionals is a tremendous job. You’re tasked with uniting a group of very different people to work toward a common goal — providing optimal patient care.
Right now, you feel like your management approach could use a little help. You know your team isn’t as strong as it could be, and that’s having a negative impact on patients. Here are a few strategies to help you become a more effective manager.
Make Top Talent Feel Valued
Your best and brightest employees are an asset you can’t afford to lose. These people work faster and better than the average healthcare professional because they’re very good at their jobs and dedicated to the patients they serve. Losing them to a competitor would be a massive hit to your team, so do everything in your power to keep them happy.
This might involve offering more enticing benefits, allowing them to have as much flexibility with their schedule as possible, and making ongoing training a priority. A little gratitude also goes a long way, so don’t forget to recognize outstanding efforts.
Help Your Team Embrace Change
Many managers shy away from change because the unknown can be scary and stressful. This type of leader doesn’t work in the healthcare field, because things are constantly changing. From healthcare reforms to innovative medical techniques, you need to always be focused on what’s coming down the pipeline next and welcome it. This will help your team grow and keep your facility on the cutting edge.
Make Patient Satisfaction a Top Priority
Positive health outcomes are obviously the top priority at your facility, but that’s not the only aspect of patient care that matters. Factors like bedside manner and cost of services are also very important to patients, so help your team understand this and provide the best possible experience. Your team is very skilled at their jobs, but remind them they still need to listen to patients to fully understand their needs.
Set Team Goals
Get your healthcare team on the same page by setting objectives and working together to achieve them. Clearly communicate short-term and long-term goals, so everyone knows where the organization is headed. It’s much easier for people to get on board with change if they understand its purpose. Getting them excited about big initiatives to come will also inspire them to work harder.
Lead By Example
You can’t expect your healthcare team to follow the rules and push themselves to be better if you’re not doing the same. As the boss, employees look to you to set the standard for the team, so be a positive example. Hold yourself accountable for all the measures you expect them to follow. When they see you putting forth the effort to grow and make positive changes, they’ll be motivated to do the same.
Building an effective healthcare team can be a challenge, but you don’t have to do it alone. To learn more about how we can help you find top behavioral health talent, contact us today at (513) 651-9500 or by email at info@psychpros.com.
