Chapter 8: Teamwork and Leadership

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

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

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)

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

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

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: to provide or support patient care

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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