From the March 2021 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
Pay attention to the needs of the staff
HTM leaders are responsible for ensuring the safety and accuracy of the medical devices in the Medical Equipment Maintenance Plan (MEMP), and most of them are excellent at that facet of their jobs. Oftentimes, it’s the more human side of the job, taking responsibility for staff members and being attentive to their needs, that can create challenges. During times of adversity, HTM leaders have to be aware of how the staff members are doing and check on them more often than they normally would.
With something like COVID-19, staff members of the HTM department may be scared and/or have family that has been adversely impacted, and leaders must be sensitive in their response to that. This isn’t always easy to do when we’re also trying to juggle very important jobs at the same time. Keep in mind that we are all going through this pandemic together and we all are feeling unsure and scared at times. Kindness, directness and empathy go a long way when leading through these times.
Decisiveness
It is an essential part of any leader’s job to make clear and decisive decisions. Easier said than done. Even In the best of times decisions are tough to make, during adverse times it could be much more challenging. This calls for gathering information, working with trusted colleagues and team members, weighing options and making the best decision you can based on what you know. To perseverate on decisions or to change your mind from one day to the next will only make matters worse. It is appropriate to course-change when needed, but those changes are easily acceptable when communicated clearly. Trust your instincts, and your team and you will make the best decision you can.
About the author: Donald Armstrong, CBET, CHTM is a former senior manager and supervisor for HTM who currently works for Renovo Solutions.Back to HCB News
