Leadership | 04.05.22
Recipe for My Team’s Cake
by Dominique Juif-Roberson, CPMSM, CPCS
At work, as a director of credentialing, I am responsible for a cohesive, happy and talented team, trained to achieve the desired result and dedicated to the company. At home in my kitchen, I like to bake a cake using six simple steps. After years of experience in the medical staff services industry and in the kitchen, I now believe that developing and training a team is very much like baking a cake and follows the same steps.
My recipe for cake making is as follows: first, I select quality ingredients and everchanging flavors. Once picked, I mix them carefully to create a soft and smooth mixture that I will bake to perfection. Then, I glaze the cake with my favorite chocolate ganache before placing magic relighting candles on it. The fun keeps on going…
1. Core Skills
The foundational ingredients are the essential skills which are defined by the business needs of the organization. Understanding the importance of processes and the ability to follow defined procedures for the group are core skills, along with the willingness to learn. These are key attributes to look for in the hiring process.
2. Diverse Skills
Team members with diverse skills and backgrounds bring a different perspective to any business situation. They bring creativity, analytical expertise and knowledge based on different life experiences. By using tools like the DiSC or SDI, you improve the chance to hire team members who will complement each other. Whether a baby boomer, Generation X, suburbanite, urbanite, or LGBTQIA, they can all be assets on the same team.
3. Training
Start with basic training and then personalize it to improve individual team member effectiveness. The objective is to ensure that everyone has the tools to be successful and to be efficient by tailoring training techniques. Encouraging learning and attending NAMSS webinars are great ways to keep the training ongoing.
4. Create Collaboration
Diversity management training is as important as teaching communication and technical skills. It is the path to successful collaboration and productive workplace relationships within and beyond the team. Understanding diversity is a critical step to foster inclusion and enable team members to work together to achieve a common business purpose with their own style.
5. Foster Connection
It is important to support connections among your team members and encourage everyone to get to know each other. If you can find an emotional connection with your co-worker, you will be more engaged. Overall positivity will increase. Conflicts will be easier to resolve. Embrace the monthly one-on-one and listen actively. Create some fun while showing care.
6. Foster Growth
Getting to know your team members is the first step in understanding their aspirations. The goal is then to enable them to grow through motivation. While tools like training, recognition and promotion come to mind, specific action items include cross-training, committee participation, goal setting involvement, flexible hours, and clear programs promoted by your DEI task force.
As you find your team’s voices and let them sing, it is time for you to have your cake and eat it, too!