It’s a great Trivia question. Can you name the Seven Dwarfs from the Disney classic Snow White? I’ll fill some precious column space while you think … OK, here is the list that most only get to about four or five: Doc, Dopey, Bashful, Grumpy, Sleepy, Sneezy and Happy. How did you do? The cottage that Snow White stumbles upon is a reflection of society and for the purpose of this discussion could very easily be a mirror image of your organization. If we take the easy route and cast Doc as the perfect doctor and Sneezy as the patient, then that leave five characteristics to describe the rest of your team. Looking at the remaining list, I am sure everyone would want the entire staff to simply fall into the “Happy” category. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Think of your team. Are they “Sleepy”? Are they overworked and under-rested? Is anyone on your team, “Grumpy”? Does the stress or pressure of the job occasionally put them in a cranky mood which manifests itself into negatively effecting patients or the rest of their team? Are members of your team, at times, “Bashful”. Too busy in their jobs and prioritizing tasks over people to engage with patients or other team members? And you might even have a “Dopey’” or two roaming around. Is their favorite answer to a patient’s question, “I don’t know?” as opposed to, “Let me find out.” When it comes to patient care, staff engagement is so important. At the end of the day, we need to constantly look for ways to create a “Happy” and engaged team. For example, my organizations #1 goal is Associates who take pride in achieving their best. Concept is simple, our customers will never be happier than our employees and happy employees take great care of the client. Take the same approach with your team and watch your patient satisfaction scores soar!
