| As a physician leader you have now been put in | | | | Do the strengths align with the direction you are |
| charge of a new health care team. How do you | | | | taking the team? Do you need to add other team |
| quickly connect with the team to build a relationship | | | | members because there is a gap in the skill set |
| that will lead to positive results? Four strategies are | | | | required? Can the current team members be trained |
| presented in this article that will move you and your | | | | in the new skills that are required? |
| team in the right direction to provide quality patient | | | | There are assessments available that can explore the |
| care. | | | | natural learning, communication and decision making |
| Strategy #1 Clear Direction | | | | styles of team members. It is important that you and |
| Every leader needs to provide a clear direction to a | | | | the team members understand the styles of each |
| team. Ask yourself the following questions: | | | | other. These styles are strengths but will need to be |
| - What is the priority issue that needs to be | | | | managed for team unity. Understanding the styles will |
| addressed now? Quality patient care? Patient Safety? | | | | lead to decreased conflict and a process to manage |
| - What does success look like? | | | | the conflict effectively. |
| - How do I communicate the direction so that it is | | | | Strategy #4 Identify the pitfalls facing the team and |
| clearly understood? | | | | how it will be addressed |
| - Ask the team what are the most significant issues | | | | Projects do not go smoothly. However, if you can |
| that need to be addressed now? Strategy #2 Build | | | | anticipate possible pitfalls you can develop a strategy |
| Trust through positive communication | | | | to handle the situation. Ask you team to brainstorm |
| Trust is essential for you and your team to work | | | | areas where problems can develop and what |
| together effectively. As a health care leader you set | | | | solutions are possible. This process of solving issues |
| the tone and example for the team. If you break | | | | together as a team will build team trust and |
| promises or your word you will destroy trust quickly. | | | | confidence. If the team does not have the skills to |
| Once trust is broken, it is hard to regain. Reflect on | | | | analyze the situation, then provide the professional |
| whether your interpersonal communication skills need | | | | development for the team. When you invest in your |
| to be improved. Ask for feedback. Work with an | | | | team, they become engaged and can perform |
| executive coach. | | | | beyond your expectations. In fact, consider bringing |
| Strategy #3 Identify the Strengths of the Team | | | | in a facilitator to help with strategy and brainstorming |
| Do you know the strengths of the team members? | | | | sessions. |