MedManagement Quarterly

    Here's some Staff Meeting Reminders:

• Time limit (Never more than 1 hour)
• List of attendees (important for evaluations to identify staff’s interest in the practice)
• Do not include physicians at every meeting (The staff will not always speak freely)
• The meeting should provide an environment which staff feels its a place to listen and note concerns (even if to be deferred to another meeting)
• Standing monthly meeting times (on everyone’s schedule as non-violated time)
• “Rules” of Participation (for instance, no derogatory/subjective/negative comments)
• Stay solution oriented (two possible solutions for every challenge or problem)
• Someone assigned to prepare minutes, with assignments, deadlines and plan for next meeting’s discussion.  Minutes should always be distributed to the group.
• Add (ALWAYS) something fun such as planning for the holiday, party, or summer picnic. Don’t forget Volunteer Opportunities!!    Such as donating to a local food bank or a women’s shelter.

        Notice, there was no mention of an agenda for the meeting.  An agenda is a “given”, but be prepared to “table” or delay issues introduced which were not on the agenda.  For instance, if the agenda is circulated and no one brings up the fact that the lunch room is not available for staff due to physician meetings that could be “tabled” until the next meeting.  (Thus allowing the manager to work on the issue and be prepared)

For more Staff Meeting Tips and an Agenda Format, contact our office.