Odds and Ends





In my last blog, I mentioned that we choose an employee of the year and give them two tickets for a trip to Hawaii. An anonymous reader wrote the following: "Who decides on employee of the year and what is the criteria??"





That's an excellent question. When it was first proposed, I considered a list of specifics that someone had to meet year-round. Then one of the doctors said we should just all vote at the end of the year, and that no one can win two years in a row. Everybody seemed to feel this was fair, and more fun and less work. So that's how we decide. It's not very scientific, but so far there have been no complaints.





As a California resident, two things have made me particularly proud as of late. One is Governor Schwarzenegger's attempt to extend healthcare to all residents. The other is San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom's proposal to charge big stores when they sell sugar-sweet soda. This is from an article about the latter in the New York Times:





The proposal, which was reported by The San Francisco Chronicle on Monday, would put an as yet-to-be-defined surcharge on all drinks with high-fructose corn syrup, which puts the sweet pop in most nondiet sodas and many other food products. The syrup also puts on the pounds, something city officials say strains the health care system.



“There’s a well-established nexus between obesity, which is caused by high-fructose corn syrup, and the increased health care costs for the city,” said Nathan Ballard, a spokesman for the mayor. Money raised by the fee would be spent on a variety of anti-obesity programs in the city, said Mr. Ballard, including Shape Up SF, which challenges residents here to exercise."





As a medical professional, I find this to be the kind of public policy I can get behind. Some day we may look back at all of the accepted bad habits and foods promoted in our culture and wonder just what were we thinking? (Mind you, I speak as a reformed junk food junkie--I know the power of bad eating!)

And finally, on a healthy note, I noticed a wonderful article in the Los Angeles Times about giving healthy gifts this season. It mentioned one of my personal bugaboos, which every teenager seems determined to have:





Many of the hottest holiday gifts will include ear buds -- which have practically evolved into a new body part for teenagers -- much to hearing experts' dismay. Because the devices channel sound directly into the eardrums, hours of listening to loud music or sounds through them (day after day after day) could cause permanent hearing loss.





Some moderately expensive alternatives are offered, and believe me they are worth it! Sometimes I think today's youth will be deaf by the time they're 30!





The article is a great resource for other ideas as well, from a Pilates Arc to reusable bags that avoid the lead which sometimes rubs off in vinyl food bags. It's nice in the midst of a season filled with sugary sweets and treats to give some consideration to health.





On that note, I sincerely hope everyone had a great holiday season. We closed down our office for the first part of last week, and I was kitchen-bound come Christmas Eve. I love to make dinner and see all of the relatives visit. For some people, it can be stressful, but to me, it's a great of remembering who I am and where I came from.





I'd love to hear how you celebrated your holiday, or perhaps hear some healthy gift ideas. Please feel free to leave a comment, and again, I wish you the very best!

'Tis the Season


We had our office Christmas party over the weekend. Each year we rent a small venue and invite friends and family to celebrate. I see it as a perfect time to reward my staff for a year of good service.



I've noted here before the value of offering perks to the staff as a way to maintain loyalty and enhance company spirit. For example, at the end of the year we announce an Employee of the Year, and the winner receives a trip for two to Hawaii. This gives the party an air of expectation, and incentive for everyone to do their best.



Of course, we also provide holiday bonus pay for everyone in the middle of December, for any last minute Christmas shopping. The amounts vary, depending on length of service and work done, but the point is it's inclusive. We are all in this together.



We had a difficult year at the practice, and many of the staff went above and beyond the call of duty, so I wanted to show them special appreciation. I called them all into what seemed like a special, serious meeting. I then gave them all a certificate for a free massage at a local spa, and then provided them a catered lunch. You should have seen their faces!



Retaining valued employees saves money, and keeps a medical practice running smoothly. Doctors and patients both appreciate familiar faces. Nothing is worse than staff turnover and having to continually train new employees. That's why I make sure to reward good work.



I wonder if any of you have end-of the-year perks you offer your employees? Did you have a Holiday party? What do you think of offering extras and incentives to the staff? As always, I 'd love to hear from you.

Some Things Are Best Left Unsaid



Sometimes words, once spoken, have an effect that cannot be undone. We may know about this in our personal life. A rash moment can happen without warning, and anger can carry the day, deeply affecting friends and family.


In a medical office the emotions can run equally high and the stakes can be just as personal, with the important difference being that a wrong thing said can have devastating consequences for a person's health. Or rather, how they view their health.



I once worked for a doctor with the bedside manner of a facist dictator. He was blunt and completely certain of his every utterance. He had that unmistakable air of authority that left an indelible impression on patients.



He once told the parents of a newborn that their son's future was going to be "difficult at best." The infant was incubated and the doctor's words were reflective of a true medical condition, but they were only half of the story. Those parents were devastated, but they didn't give up hope.



In fact, they eventually sought out another doctor's opinion and wound up not getting a different prognosis, so much as a different approach. The new doctor was guardedly optimistic, but he offered them hope. That boy did have a difficult childhood, but without the limitations imposed by his initial doctor, he thrived. His parents would constantly remember those dark words, whenever there was a setback, but their new doctor reminded them that change was the only constant in medicine, and that there was no reason not to believe that things would improve.



I tell this particularly story not so much as a medical professional, but as a proud aunt. You see, it's the story of my nephew. To this day, I deeply regret the influence my doctor employer had on my sister and her husband. Shortly after they found a new doctor, I did, too.



I'm not advocating bland advice that never penetrates the truth. Sometimes a patient needs to hear the tough things in an unfiltered way. "Stop eating this type of food or you will have heart disease." "Take your medication or your condition will get worse." However, it is important to never forget that medicine is not just a solution, it's a question. A way of examining a problem and offering possibility. Telling it like it is doesn't necessarily preclude hope.



What is your feeling about this? Have you ever been on the receiving end of a bad opinion?

Leading by Example



I am an outgoing person, but I don't come by it naturally. At heart, I'm a shy person. When I was first given the opportunity to manage, the head doctor I was working for sat me down privately and told me that while he had confidence in my abilities, his only doubt was that if could truly lead.



At first I was taken aback, but I realized what he meant. I had a great rapport with my co-workers when I was one of them, but I had always been something of a follower. My leadership possibilities became apparent through my competence and willingness to work, but not in acting like a figurehead. That doctor did me a favor by making me aware of appearances; a crucial factor in managing people.




Back then, I made a short list of what I needed to do, and I still refer to it. I've kept it private until now, but I'll share it in the hope that it may help someone else or even reinforce their management style:

1. Make connections. Although I am shy, I have always liked people. I make efforts to get to know my entire staff, and learn their quirks and interests. I also take the time to share things about myself. Being a manager, I tend to be less personal in some of my details, but I don't skimp on the directness of my communication. I'd say everyone who has ever worked for me, has gotten to know me to some purposeful degree.



2. Name dropping. It's a technical truth that people respond favorably to hearing their own name. I make a point of stopping by everyone's work area throughout the day, looking them in the eye, and occasionally addressing them by name. I use a positive, considerate tone. I believe that no matter how familiar you become with your staff, you must always treat them with the same manners you'd show a house guest.



3. Perception is reality. How people view and respond to you is very important. Notice body language and tone when you interact with others. Ask a staff member you can trust their opinion on how you come across. (Questions such as how would you describe my style? What one or two things would you change about my communication style?) Their feedback could prove invaluable, since others can frequently see your blind spots with great clarity.

I've been a manager for years, and there are days when I still feel like I'm just beginning. The fact that I'm introverted by nature will always mean that I have to force myself to project. There will always be a measure of calculation in my behavior. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

As always, I'd welcome your input. What things do you keep in mind? How do they relate to your personality?