You’re a Practice Manager with a team that’s struggling. What can you do to turn things around?

2 Set clear and realistic goals

Once you have identified the root causes, you need to set clear and realistic goals for your team and communicate them effectively. You should align your goals with your practice's vision, mission, and values, and make sure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). You should also break down your goals into smaller and manageable tasks and assign roles and responsibilities to your team members. By doing this, you will provide your team with a clear direction and a sense of purpose and accountability.

3 Provide support and feedback

Another key factor to improve your team's performance and morale is to provide them with adequate support and feedback. You should offer your team members the resources, training, coaching, and mentoring they need to develop their skills and knowledge and overcome their challenges. You should also monitor their progress and give them constructive and timely feedback on their performance, both positive and negative. You should also recognize and reward their achievements and celebrate their successes. By doing this, you will boost your team's confidence and motivation and foster a culture of learning and improvement.

4 Encourage collaboration and communication

A strong team is one that works together and communicates effectively. You should encourage your team members to collaborate and communicate with each other and with you. You should create a safe and open environment where your team members can share their ideas, opinions, problems, and solutions without fear of judgment or criticism. You should also facilitate regular meetings, discussions, and brainstorming sessions where your team members can exchange information, feedback, and support. By doing this, you will enhance your team's cohesion and creativity and prevent conflicts and misunderstandings.

5 Lead by example

Finally, as a practice manager, you should lead by example and model the behaviors and attitudes you want to see in your team. You should demonstrate your commitment, professionalism, integrity, and respect for your team and your clients. You should also show your enthusiasm, optimism, and resilience in the face of challenges and changes. You should also admit your mistakes, ask for help, and learn from feedback. By doing this, you will inspire your team to follow your lead and emulate your standards and values.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?