Do You See “Superbowl” in Your Breast Center?
As I watched the big game this past Sunday--the Superbowl--I thought about the blog. All the hype these past few weeks has made people want to be part of the action, even if they're not even sports fans. WHY?...it's the excitement, the atmosphere, the advertising, the star players and what really makes them a team. Our breast centers need to be a team sport!
I say this because I believe our breast centers need to get all the players involved. This starts at the top with administrators and managers and works its way down to the day-to-day operations of the technologists. We all have different personalities and unique skills (just like football players), and every week we need to get out there and play together as a team. As breast centers grow rapidly with a focus on patient care and new digital technologies, how much information is communicated to your staff of technologists? So many times, a center makes changes to improve technology or advance patient care but falters in communicating plans to their staff.
What about that one technologist (the MVP player) who has a suggestion or idea that can really be the powerful "play" to make your breast center thrive? For example, perhaps you're having issues with the schedule or productivity. Why not ask the techs their opinions on the issue and their expectations as they relate to day-to-day operations? This is really where I see the team working together. Your staff of technologists--on up to managers and administrators--working together as a team can benefit everyone...meaning not only the breast center but most importantly, the patient. Patient care is what it's all about! Just like in the Superbowl we wanted the players to perform at their best so the Giants' and Patriots' fans could be the winners--and they did!
Take the time to involve your staff in decision making. Keep them informed with monthly meetings and have them voice their opinions or suggestions. Consider even having an MVP technologist for a month All staff members are part of the team and their opinions and ideas can make a difference for a better breast center You'll be amazed at the response you'll receive once everyone realizes they're part of a real team. The Superbowl can happen every week in your breast center.