How to Create an Effective Team

 

 By the WDS Practice Advisory Committee
 

From Dr. Shawna Flanagan:

I think cross training your team in very important. My office is like a fine dining experience where all the servers and staff can answer your questions and they work as a team to create the best experience. You will never hear in my office “that’s not in my job description” or “I don’t know.” If one of my staff doesn’t know the answer to something, we politely address the issue and immediately get someone who does know. The patients appreciate the effort and the confidence in this big team approach.

Frequent training and retraining sessions as well as lunch and learn meetings are an important part of creating an effective team. My team members love hearing about new procedures and protocols. This also creates an environment where everyone is willing to help each other out. Letting staff experience new procedures while others watch and learn is also a great team activity.

The old adage “one bad apple spoils the whole bunch” is so true in a smaller office environment. Be aware of any bad apples and address the issues immediately and possibly even terminate the employee to prevent erosion into the team approach to a great patient and staff experience.


From Dr. Una Miniter:

Clearly define a goal or purpose so you can recruit a diverse group of individuals that share a common vision. Notice and cultivate individuals’ strengths and communicate positively and productively in weekly or monthly meetings. Alternate formal meetings with fun activities (ex. picnic, charity fun run or walk, comedy show).

 

The Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS) Practice Advisory Committee supports Dermatologists at any stage of their career looking to manage or start their own practice by offering resources on navigating the practice environment. 

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