Maximizing Teamwork and Leadership in Health Care Settings

1. Chapter 14: Teamwork and Leadership

2. Types of Health Care Teams • Administrative • Medical emergency • Hospital patient care • Physician’s office • Outpatient care

3. Definition of a Team • Team Composition • Two or more individuals organized to function cooperatively • Members focused on the same results • Health care team: professionals with a variety of: • Health-related backgrounds • Education • Experiences

4. Definition of a Team (cont’d) • One-Profession Team: Nursing Team Example • Registered nurses (RNs)—team leaders • Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) • Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) • Certified nursing assistants (CNAs)

5. Definition of a Team (cont’d) • Multidisciplinary Team • Cooperative group of professionals with different: • Qualifications • Skills • Areas of expertise • Team members complement one another • Provide comprehensive health care • Example: cardiac rehabilitation team

6. Definition of a Team (cont’d) • Elements of Team Structure • Team purpose • Team goals • Team members’ roles • Team functions

7. Definition of a Team (cont’d) • Team Purpose • What is the reason for the team? • What does it hope to accomplish? • Points all members in right direction • Determines how team should develop & move forward • For health care team: toprovide or support patient care

8. Definition of a Team (cont’d) • Team Goals • Common goals or objectives • Decisions not made independently • Focus on best interest of team • Willingness to listen to opinions of other members

9. Definition of a Team (cont’d) • Team Members’ Roles • Team leader • Recorder or secretary • Spokesperson • Resource • Implementers

10. Definition of a Team (cont’d) • Team Functions • Activities carried out to meet goals • Unique skills & experiences matched to tasks • Effectiveness of individual impacts all others

11. Definition of a Team (cont’d) • Required Ingredients for Effective Teamwork • Open & honest communication • Sufficient organizational resources • Mutual support • Understanding & recognizing role & function of each member

12. Definition of a Team (cont’d) • Guidelines for Preparing Team Meetings • Set meeting time & place in advance • Choose a day & time when all members are available • For regular meetings, schedule for same day & time • Distribute agenda before meeting

13. Definition of a Team (cont’d) • Group Communication • Listen with full attention to other members • Express ideas as clearly as possible • Encourage feedback on all ideas • Avoid letting negative emotions cloud communications

14. Definition of a Team (cont’d) • Tips for Contributing to a Team • Remember group dynamics (how members relate to each other) • Encourage contributions from everyone • Avoid letting one member dominate

15. Definition of a Team (cont’d) • Sources of Conflict • Substance vs. personality differences • Independent work & limited group conversation • Atmosphere of distrust & suspicion • Differences in: • Training • Knowledge • Experience • Competitive work environment

16. Definition of a Team (cont’d) • Managing Conflict: Steps in Problem Solving • Assessing • Diagnosing • Creating a plan • Implementing the plan • Evaluating the plan • Modifying the plan (if necessary)

17. Leadership • Definition of Leadership • The ability to influence others while working toward a vision or goal

18. Leadership (cont’d) • Characteristics of Successful Health Care Leaders • Understand complexity of coordinated care • Remain open to different points of view • Understand interdependency of health care team

19. Leadership (cont’d) • Leadership Skills • Communication • Problem solving • Management • Self evaluation

20. Leadership (cont’d) • Leadership Styles • Autocratic (directive) • Leader controls decisions & activities • Democratic • Leader shares decisions & activities • Laissez-faire (non-directive) • Leader hands over power to group

21. Leadership (cont’d) • Leadership and Management: Four Functions of Managers • Planning • Organizing • Directing • Controlling

22. Leadership (cont’d) • Preparing for a Leadership Role • Identify your strengths • Evaluate how you accomplish work • Clarify your values • Assume responsibility for relationships