You're a healthcare manager working with tight deadlines. How can you keep your stress levels in check?

Absolutely, planning ahead is crucial in managing stress with impending deadlines. I've found that utilizing a project management tool not only keeps my team aligned but gives me peace of mind knowing that progress is visible and trackable. Being proactive about potential problems and establishing contingency plans genuinely mitigates the chaos of unexpected issues.

Embrace scenario planning alongside your usual tools (calendars, tasks). This strategic approach, used by big names like Shell, helps you: Anticipate problems: Plan B's for potential roadblocks = less last-minute scrambling. Adapt on the fly: Unexpected situations? No sweat, you'll be ready to adjust. Communicate clearly: Everyone's on the same page about "what-ifs," fostering teamwork. Scenario planning + traditional planning = proactive, confident team, less deadline stress.

Sheryl Sandberg famously said "Done is better than perfect." Stop agonising over the small things and let go. Trust your team and let them do their thing! Studies by McKinsey & Company show delegation empowers teams, leading to increased focus and improved task quality. Delegation fosters a culture of shared responsibility and encourages innovative solutions from diverse perspectives. By delegating effectively, you become a leader who empowers, not drowns. This fosters a more efficient, innovative, and ultimately, successful healthcare team.

Empowering the team through delegation involves clearly defining roles using the RACI rule at the onset of a task on the first team meeting. Implementing status chart systems and scheduling regular meetings supports the team in addressing challenges effectively. Decentralizing authoritative powers can speed up processes in situations where I am unavailable. Encouraging agility and adopting an affirmative approach fosters collaboration led to a cooperative mindset, ultimately fostering a stress-free environment within the team. You don't have to do everything by yourself. Knowing strengths of the team members gives me the confidence of delegations.

Taking care of yourself and your co-workers in the healthcare industry: ●Acknowledge that it is normal to feel stressed in your situation. ●Take care of your basic needs. ●Take time to eat, exercise, rest and relax, even for short periods. ●Be mindful of the hours you are working and communicate with your leader if those hours become unreasonable or unmanageable. ●Check in with co-workers to see how they are doing and have them check in with you. Find ways to support each other. ●Speak to your leader about keeping reasonable working hours, where possible.

Celebrating small victories along the way towards meeting larger goals has greatly enhanced team morale. It's amazing how acknowledging effort and success, whether through verbal recognition or small rewards, can boost enthusiasm and reinforce a sense of accomplishment.

One insight I'd like to add is about maintaining clear communication channels both within the team and with other stakeholders. Ensuring that everyone is informed about progress, changes or challenges can help alleviate stress as it reduces uncertainty. Plus, regular updates can foster a culture of transparency and collective responsibility for meeting deadlines.

Working with deadlines can definitely be stressful, but there are a few things you can do to keep your stress levels in check: 1. Prioritize and Plan: Break down your tasks and prioritize them based on urgency and importance. 2. Time Management: Allocate specific time slots for each task and try to stick to them. 3. Take Breaks: It's important to give yourself short breaks throughout the day to recharge and relax. 4. Practice Self-Care: Make sure to prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, getting enough sleep, and eating nutritious meals. 5. Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to your colleagues or supervisor if you need assistance or guidance.