Welcoming back your new team after COVID

Aside from the changes, restrictions and new procedures that we are going to be following over the next few weeks, months and possibly long term, we also have an opportunity to refresh, improve and restart your practice and teams for the better.

There will undoubtedly be many of the team that may feel anxious, maybe dread returning or are possibly frightened. Some may have had bereavements of loved ones and some may have other reasons. Look after those as best you can and be patient.

There will also be an opportunity for change and involving, empowering the whole team to be involved in the “new normal” (I actually really dislike that term) is paramount….after all, old ways will not open new doors. (I know I sound like my mother)

Look at the practice and teams’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and what the threats may be. Where you are, where you want to be, and how do you get there… as a team.

Leaders can not do this by themselves…

So I wanted to do a bit of a pep talk to encourage us all.

We are not to be defeatist, we are not going to accept that “it is what it is” we are not going to let COVID spoil our plans and aspirations.

We are going to find new ways and better ways. We will adapt and we will put in place new systems, they may fail, but we learn from mistakes fast.

Many practices have looked after their teams so well over the last few months, this will have been appreciated. Use that loyalty and appreciation to push forward.

Be the leader that your team needs!

• A good leader takes the lead
• A good leader has personality, courage, clear vision with an ambition to succeed
• A good leader encourages the team to perform to their optimum all the time and drives organisational success
• Bring out the best and the freedom to use their talents
• Reassure them its ok to make mistakes
• Guide them to work together
• Be their leader and develop leaders from within
• As them what they need
• Create the right environment
• Model accountability and teach responsibility
• Understand personality types and have self-awareness
• Teach them everything is hard before its easy
• Be decisive

COVID has not necessarily brought out the best in people, it has revealed what is already there, and in some of our teams. Some for the worse and some for the better…use the return to reinvent the way you care for your patients and team and see the difference it makes to your new journey….BUT, putting positives aside for a moment, there will be some disruptors, dementors and those that are not “on the bus” “driving the bus” and will do what they can to throw others “under the bus” in your team.

Manage this behaviour quickly and keep on track, communicating your goals and how they are vital in helping you reach them.