All to often we think there is too much chatter in the office between staff members and also many times with our patients too. I know for a fact that our doctor will hear laughter and interaction and wonder if the staff is getting their job done. Yes, we are getting our duties done and more, we are cultivating an open line of communication between us, staff members, and with the patients that we serve. According to ToolingU (at www.toolingu.com) the definition of “open communication” is “the element of a good team in which the free exchange of ideas and objections is encouraged.” In order to get to the place where office staff, management and physicians can have this open communication, you need to start out with what I call “baby steps.”
1. Take time to communicate: We are so rushed these days, with all that we have to accomplish at work and at home. It is essential that we take those extra few minutes each day to ask those we work with how their day is going, and what is going on at home. It is important to get a little personal (within the boundaries of each persons comfort zone). Getting personal shows an element of caring about a co-worker that is more than just work, and this starts to create a bond between work-mates.
2. Listening is just as valuable of a skill as talking: Take those extra moments to listen, what exactly are your co-workers saying? Ask questions, and “listen between the lines” to what is being said. Develop your skills of understanding, this means that you need to be quite, and seek understanding as to where your co-worker may be coming from. Do not assume that you may know, it is better to ask for clarification so you really know what is being said.
3. If you are a manager, supervisor or business owner you need to enlist ideas that your staff members may have that could help run your business better. These are the frontline people who are dealing with your patients each day, they know (because they hear) what your patients want. Take the time to listen and then implement their ideas, not only will it help your business, but it will make your staff feel that you value them and their input to the practice.
4. By listening to your staff and taking action on their ideas you are showing them that your idea of communication “is not a hierarchy” but it is open to all people who work there. They “staff members” will be more open to giving their thoughts and also talking to you “the physician” about issues that cause them concern, and this is good, remember you are working together for a common cause.
5. Finally take the time to celebrate together, whether it is because the office saw more new patients this month than last, or because is it Friday, take time to enjoy each others company as co-workers and friends. Remember more times than not you spend more time at work each week than you do at home, your co-workers are people who you need to develop good relationships with.
Dealing with OCD is a good thing, as “Open Communication Development” can only make our workplace better and life is too short to work in an unpleasant environment.
Related Article: http://www.ehow.com/how_2045896_open-communication-small.html
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