You’re great at winning over patients but what about working with a new team? Whether you’re welcoming a new hire, moving to a new store, or starting a new job, here are some pointers to creating a positive, productive working environment.
Get to know your team
Get to know your staff members on both a professional and personal level. Figure out who is good at which tasks, and even better, who likes to do what. Perhaps one person has excellent customer service skills while another is a genius with details. If someone is naturally shy and introverted, try to avoid regularly putting them front and center. Maybe another team member loves to untangle complicated insurance requirements. Let that person have at it!
Know your staff on a personal level, but always keep it professional. Don’t gossip or get overly involved. But do know what’s going on in the lives of your team members, as family or other personal issues will impact their work and ultimately, your workplace.
When in doubt, feed ’em
“If you feed them, they will come,” to paraphrase a famous movie. But what can we say? Food brings people together and can be a fun way to create camaraderie. Sure, you’ll bring doughnuts on your first day, but go a bit farther. Why not designate a “Doughnut Day” once a month? Treat your staff to lunch on a regular basis. Maybe you can help support that new cafe or bakery in town.
Do something unexpected, based on the tastes and interests of your staff members. Who doesn’t like tacos? Maybe have Taco Tuesday one month and Mac’n’Cheese Monday another. During the winter doldrums, have a Chili Cookoff (don’t forget miniature trophies!). You might even have your patients participate as judges. Your patients will enjoy the team spirit just as much as your employees.
Get your hands dirty
Set a great example with your own work ethic. Your efficiency, reliability and attitude will set the tone for your entire operation. And when you’re busy, dig in. Answer phones, fill orders, and deal with cranky customers. Your team will learn what you expect by how you behave. And don’t be embarrassed to ask a staff member a question. Maybe your tech has figured out a great shortcut that never occurred to you. Ask about it. This will make your team members feel appreciated and valuable.
Change the scenery
Do your best to get your team out and about with periodic field trips, seminars, or fact-finding missions. It can be hard to find the time or resources for continuing education, but use some creativity. Maybe your city is hosting a customer service expert. Or your state pharmacy association is hosting its annual convention. If you don’t have the ability to send everyone, figure out a way to take turns.
Your curiosity and dedication to learning will not only keep your profession interesting for you, but also for your team. A breath of fresh air or a different perspective does wonders to recharge and remind us all why we do what we do.
By taking care of your team members, you’re also taking care of your patients.
A Member-Owned Company Serving Independent Pharmacies
PBA Health is dedicated to helping independent pharmacies reach their full potential on the buy-side of their business. Founded and run by pharmacists, PBA Health serves independent pharmacies with group purchasing services, wholesaler contract negotiations, proprietary purchasing tools, and more.
An HDA member, PBA Health operates its own NABP-accredited warehouse with more than 6,000 SKUs, including brands, generics, narcotics CII-CV, cold-storage products, and over-the-counter (OTC) products — offering the lowest prices in the secondary market.
