By Cheryl Toth, MBA bio A wise friend of mine once said, "Ideas are a dime a dozen." I agree. Ideas are little more than creative puffs of air if you don't do anything to implement them. Brainstorming and strategic discussions can birth a bunch of possibilities for improving patient collections or reenergizing referral streams. But in order to successfully execute … [Read more...] about Creating a project plan that works
Your career
Holiday season dos and don’ts for the medical office
The holiday season is an ideal time of year to show goodwill toward all, including your staff. Here are some dos and don’ts to help make your workplace holiday friendly. Do Try to be flexible when it comes to time off during the holiday season. Yes, employees should have saved their vacation time. And yes, maybe seniority should prevail when it comes to the days off … [Read more...] about Holiday season dos and don’ts for the medical office
8 actions to be an exceptional listener
By Stacey Hanke bio Most people consider themselves to be good listeners, finding it hard to admit otherwise. We know listening is vital to building strong relationships with coworkers, managers, clients, and leadership. In fact, it is considered to be the single most important communication skill necessary, valued more highly than speaking, in the business world. We spend … [Read more...] about 8 actions to be an exceptional listener
Happy Thanksgiving: Here are four good ways to get your work done before the long weekend
Many managers will agree that the most difficult part of their job is finding time to get all the work done. And, while everyone loves a day off or a long weekend, it's hard to make up for any lost workdays. So here are four good time management recommendations from workflow advisor Jason Womack, leadership speaker and author of "Your Best Just Got Better: Work Smarter, Think … [Read more...] about Happy Thanksgiving: Here are four good ways to get your work done before the long weekend
When you’re about to lose patience with a patient
Working with the public isn't easy. And working in a medical office, where people are often at their worst, can be especially trying. Be that as it may, your role as a medical office manager demands professionalism at all times, even when a patient has pushed you to the limit of your patience. Remember this It sounds like a given, but it helps to remind yourself that the … [Read more...] about When you’re about to lose patience with a patient
5 ways to sweat the small stuff and impress your CFO
Want to get on your managing partner's good side? Don't let the details slide. In a survey by staffing firm Accountemps, more than one-third (35 percent) of CFOs cited lacking attention to detail or sloppy work as the most annoying behavior by coworkers. For 28 percent of respondents, gossiping or engaging in office politics was their biggest pet peeve. CFOs were asked, … [Read more...] about 5 ways to sweat the small stuff and impress your CFO
3 dozen ways to handle difficult discussions
Clear communication is vital in any office, particularly in a medical practice, where there is a climate of power differential and hierarchy. However, many employees aren't particularly good at communicating, according to Dr. Susan Strauss, a nationally-recognized expert, author and international speaker on discrimination, harassment and bullying in the … [Read more...] about 3 dozen ways to handle difficult discussions
Five scary actions that haunt your reputation
By Stacey Hanke bio Have you ever been so frustrated by someone's bad habits that the very thought of communicating with them scares you? Do you go into hiding when you see a rude coworker coming your way? What if YOU are the one everyone with whom everyone fears communicating? What you think others believe is not always the truth. While many professionals believe … [Read more...] about Five scary actions that haunt your reputation
How to stage your office for improved productivity
Is clutter slowing down productivity in your practice? Clutter is a major distraction and eats up time, says Pat Heydlauff of Energy Design, a productive-focused environment company. "Nobody can concentrate or work efficiently amidst disorganization," she says, pointing out that getting rid of office clutter can significantly improve the atmosphere and speed up the work … [Read more...] about How to stage your office for improved productivity
Resolving employee conflict
Q: Two members of my staff don't get along with each other—at all. The constant bickering and other childish behavior have me at my wit's end. Sometimes I feel like I'm an elementary school teacher as opposed to a manager. This isn't what I signed on for, and it's really affecting my attitude toward the job. Any suggestions you can offer will be appreciated. A: Employee … [Read more...] about Resolving employee conflict