[midge0906]

Hello,
I am brand new to this website and hope to find loads of tips, toolboxes, and templates to make my job easier and guide the managers that report to me into a more structured way of doing their work.I am currently a Director of Women & Children's Services at a major hospital in the Midwest. I enjoy it very much, but have been in this particular position a very long time (various hospitals, same position). This group I have is brand new to management and have a lot of difficulty in prioritizing their work that is due per month. They often get pulled away from their desk to "put out fires" on the floor. Then they miss countless deadlines, consequently, I am missing deadlines.
How can I best assist them in getting organized and begin to prioritize their reports.
Thanks for all your help
Midge

[DCBarbieDoll]

Hello Midge. It sounds like your new position will be quite challenging. You have two problems - they are new to management and they don't appear to be organized. I would begin with regular staff meetings with an agenda and task list distributed to everyone with names, assignments, due dates, and status. I would also incorporate a sense of urgency to the managers so that they understand the importance of "staying on task." Lastly, I would offer an incentive to managers who meet or exceed their deadlines - could be lunch, one hour of leave, a Starbucks gift card, or whatever you feel is appropriate - and announce it to everyone. The gift of recognition is a great motivator! When everyone can see the team's progress, hopefully, it will energize them to want to continue the success. What gets rewarded gets repeated!