By Lynne Curry Question: I run a small firm. When I advertised for a new hire, I didn’t find anyone who had the right skill set. “Will” applied. Although he lacked the skills I sought, he interviewed well and said he was willing to learn everything necessary to become my No. 1 employee. I took a chance on him and invested months in training him. He shadowed me, developed … [Read more...] about How to handle a scamming, scheming staffer
Managing staff
‘I’m a threat to my boss because I’m smarter’
By Lynne Curry Over the years of your career, you may have found yourself on both sides of the following situation, first as a bright young staff member and later as a manager dealing with a brash new employee. Question: I am a threat to my supervisor. It’s not my fault, but it may cost me my job. Things were going well between my supervisor and I until last month. In an … [Read more...] about ‘I’m a threat to my boss because I’m smarter’
The power of emotional intelligence: A guide for medical office managers
In today's dynamic healthcare environment, the role of a medical office manager is more challenging than ever. Not only do you need to efficiently manage the administrative tasks, but you also play a crucial role in maintaining a positive work environment and fostering effective communication among your team members. This is where emotional intelligence (EI) comes into play. In … [Read more...] about The power of emotional intelligence: A guide for medical office managers
Don’t delay if you have to deliver bad news
By Lynne Curry “It’s not the difficult conversations that bite you the hardest,” I told the manager. “It’s the ones you put off until too late.” I listened to the manager’s reasons and told him, “Here are the risks you take. You dread telling ‘Robert’ what and how he needs to improve because he lashes out at you and remains sullen for days after you’ve counseled him. You … [Read more...] about Don’t delay if you have to deliver bad news
7 ways to support mental health in your office
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a good time to devote some thought to how you can support mental health in your office. Here are some ideas for advancing mental health in the workplace: Encourage open communication: Encourage your employees to speak openly about their mental health and provide a safe space for them to do so. Encourage managers to be approachable and … [Read more...] about 7 ways to support mental health in your office
Snappy comebacks WHEN you need them
By Lynne Curry The snappy comeback you wish you’d had when “Jim” sniped at you in the meeting, and you sat frozen and speechless. The silencing comment you wish you’d given “Brenda” when you walked past the break room and you heard her dissing you. Why don’t those comebacks arrive when you need them? Here’s why… When you experience a verbal attack or another threat, your … [Read more...] about Snappy comebacks WHEN you need them
6 tips to keep your hybrid team productive
As a medical office manager, you understand the importance of creating a productive work environment for your staff. With the rise of remote work in the last three years, it is more important than ever to create a hybrid work environment that balances the needs of both remote and on-site staff. Here are some tips to help you create a productive hybrid work environment for your … [Read more...] about 6 tips to keep your hybrid team productive
Is it time to take the office team out to lunch?
You might be considering a team lunch for your office staff to celebrate a milestone or to announce upcoming changes. Hosting a business lunch in a restaurant can be a fantastic way to create a professional and enjoyable setting for discussing business matters. Here are some steps to consider when planning a team lunch in a restaurant: Choose the right restaurant: Select a … [Read more...] about Is it time to take the office team out to lunch?
Model Policy: Office Temperature
The purpose of this model policy is to ensure a comfortable and healthy work environment for all staff and patients by maintaining appropriate temperature settings in the medical office. … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Office Temperature
Model Policy: Progressive Discipline and Employee Termination
You must establish a written policy or procedure giving you the right to use progressive discipline. This Model Policy is a fairly generic version, which allows for warnings, followed by suspension and ultimately termination. But you’ll need to modify the Model Policy to reflect your own progressive discipline procedures and the terms of discipline provisions contained in any … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Progressive Discipline and Employee Termination