Community Connections for Health Care

< Return to blog list

Maximize Your Resources - Part II of IV

by Joan Bachman

People - Time - Money - Information

  • The only place you find “Success” before “Work” is in the dictionary.
  • Survival and growth of an organization relies on effective use of available assets.

Part II - Time

Time is represented by events that take place. Time cannot be controlled, but events can be controlled.

For profitable use of time, learn to control events rather than reacting to them.

Mission Statement and Goals
  1. Your mission statement describes values of the business for staff and clients.
  2. Establish written goals based on the mission statement, both long term and short term. Share goals with the people who will help you reach them.
  3. Prioritize goals and list necessary resources.
  4. Update mission statement and goals when necessary.
Plan How You Will Achieve Goals (Predict Your Future.)
  1. List tasks that must be accomplished for each goal, including estimated resources. (workplan)
  2. Prioritize tasks in order of importance to the goal.
  3. Anticipate obstacles and delays.
  4. Implement the planned tasks and measure completion.
  5. Separate urgent from important tasks. Stay with the important tasks.
  6. Refer to your plan regularly, update as necessary.
Avoid Procrastination and Interruptions
  1. Do it now if it is important to your goal.
  2. Consolidate tasks such as phone calls and documentation.
  3. Maintain orderly work space.
  4. Control interruptions such as ‘drop-in’ callers, gossip, etc.
Delegate
  1. Do your work; let someone qualified do everything else.
  2. Be clear when assigning tasks. Give authority with responsibility.
  3. Provide training and tools with assignments.
  4. Follow-up on assignments. (different than checking-up)
  5. Recognize subordinate success, correct shortcomings.
Meetings
  1. Meet only when there is purpose with anticipated outcome.
  2. Start and end meetings on time.
  3. Distribute agenda before meeting and post minutes after the meeting for maximum benefit.
  4. Expect participation from attendees.
  5. Know the cost of each meeting in terms of salary and delayed tasks.

About the Author

Joan Bachman

Joan Bachman is a Registered Nurse, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, Registered Health Information Technician, and Faith Community Nurse. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Joan has experience as a Nurse, Administrator, Developer, Trainer, Grant Writer, and served as Administrator of SD State Survey Agency. She has consulted with health care facilities and nonprofit organizations and presented leadership training. Joan is the author of Guidebook for Assisted Living Facilities and Senior Service Providers and Guidebook for Physician Services in the Nursing Facility, and she has published in professional journals.

Leave a Comment