When I first started to practice, I had a small staff and it never occurred to me that I actually needed a staff meeting. So for couple years I “wandered in the wilderness.” As I matured as a leader, I learned that staff meetings are an invaluable tool to create a successful practice. Not only are staff meetings essential to maximize your productivity, they help to create a successful team that will make your life as a doctor less stressful.
As I work with clients, I often have discussions regarding successful staff meetings. Here is my list of a few key points suggestions for successful staff meetings.
1. Regularity/Frequency
In the early days, I tried to have staff meetings once a month during lunch, I soon found that once a month was not adequate. We were never able to complete an agenda and things backed up from month to month. I found that weekly meetings during production time were the most effective. As it turned out even though we didn’t see patients, the hour spent in staff meeting became on of the most productive hours of the week.
2. Punctuality
A key to success is starting and ending the meeting on time. I found that having the meeting at the end of a lunch hour facilitated starting the meeting in a timely manner. Punctuality sets the tone for the hour that follows.
3. No Distractions
Forget the phone, don’t and answer the door. This time is valuable, don’t waste it.
4. Agenda
Having a set agenda is essential. Although every office is different some of the key points of our staff meeting agenda were: review of production and goals, calendar, staff and doctor input, and staff training.
5. Respect
Participation by entire staff is critical. All opinions are important.
6. LAUGHTER
Make it fun! Shared laughter is one of the most effective ways are team building.
The hour each week that we spent in our staff meetings were some of the times of my practice career. Don’t miss out!
