We all know how important it is to communicate as a leader. We have busy schedules and although we make it a point to try and communicate that we are always available for our people; it is the little things that make the biggest difference.
Every morning the first thing I do is check my schedule to see what may have changed overnight (it is amazing how many meetings get added when you’re not looking). I then send an email to all of my staff. I call it “The Morning Report,” yes I know I took it from Zazu in “The Lion King.” I say good morning and in one or two sentences I tell my people when I will be in or out of the office generally. For example, I have a meeting at the Palomino office this morning, but I should be back all afternoon. Or, I will be in the department all day but I may be in and out running a few errands. If you need anything at Lowes or Office Max, let me know by noon.
I also use these quick emails to remind people of staff meetings, or that I/a provider are providing lunch that day. Anything that I think may come in handy.
I tested this theory out and did it for three months and then I did not do it for a week to see if it was noticed and the feedback was overwhelming. My people loved the emails and liked knowing quickly at a glance in the morning if I was going to be on site or not. That open communication was everything to them. It made them feel supported.
Nicole T. Walton-Trujillo, R.T.(R)(CT), BSRS, MBAH, MOL, ARRT, ASRT, NMSRT, X-ray and ultrasound modality manager for Desert Radiology.
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