Physician relations reps are key players in promoting your organization’s distinguishing clinical and service features. They develop and expand the referral relationship, problem solve and facilitate solutions, and gather valuable information about referral patterns, and practice strengths and weaknesses. But how can you create an environment where everyone is motivated to contribute his or her best? Consider these team-building strategies:

Communicate Like Clockwork. Communicate goals regularly, outlining what you expect of staff as individuals and as a team. At team meetings, take time to answer questions and listen to experiences so information you share is heard by all. Everyone learns from one another’s experiences.

Vary Assignments. Assign projects to team members so that each person has to act as both project leader and project supporter. They’ll have to learn how to garner the support of teammates and learn how important it is to support one another.

Cultivate Clinical Expertise. Have each team member research a specific clinical area within the organization and then conduct a presentation to educate the others. Each member will learn an area of clinical expertise that can become a long-term resource for the group.
Meet Socially. Gather the team outside of work using retreats and social events. Meeting socially helps to foster a team atmosphere. 

Reward Group Performance. If the organization provides incentive bonuses or rewards, distribute them in terms of individual as well as team performance. Hold staff accountable for both results.

Always make sure team members understand the “big picture” and know exactly where they stand at all times in terms of meeting the organization’s strategic objectives so the team and the organization will surely succeed.

Consultant Allison McCarthy brings highly regarded expertise in physician recruitment, along with an East Coast perspective, to CHG. With more than 14 years of healthcare management experience, Allison offers invaluable insights on physician relations, tertiary outreach and network development, and physician recruitment. For additional information, please call 1-888-334-2500 or contact us via the Web.

To print this page select the print button from your browser window or click here.