5 Best Practices Healthcare Leaders Should Leverage to Build a Winning Team

Leaders play a vital role in shaping the success of any organization. They are at the forefront of a team’s direction, they are motivators, and make decisions for the organization with goals in mind. Even still, the journey to becoming a successful leader comes with its own set of challenges. There is a demand for a nuanced combination of skills, experience, and the agility to navigate unpredictable circumstances.

In this blog post, we are discussing the five best practices that leaders can leverage to create a high-performing workforce. These suggestions are based on years of experience and research from healthcare talent specialists like SimiTree’s Eric Scharber, EVP, Wayne Regan, Managing Director, Interim Leadership, and Stacy Olinger, Founder and CEO of StacyOlinger.com.

Watch the full video on YouTube now!

Catch our latest webinar on YouTube, where this panel of experts delve into the intricacies of leadership coupled with recruitment and retention. This trio brings a wealth of experience and insights, comprehensively exploring proven strategies to shape a high-performing workforce. Watch the full panel discussion on our YouTube channel now!

Download our handout now for a shareable PDF of these top tips from SimiTree talent leaders.

#1 Best Practice: Use Effective Interview Techniques in Healthcare

Navigating interviews is a key responsibility for leaders. This process is the window into a candidate’s skills, experience, and personality. However, pinpointing the right questions and uncovering a candidate’s authentic self can be a bit tricky. Fear not, here are some handy tips for making your interviews more effective:

Plan Ahead: Be the interview maestro by mapping out your questions in advance. This ensures you hit the right notes to gather the information you need.
Mix It Up: Variety is the spice of life, and your questions should reflect that. Opt-in for a mix of question types, with a special nod to open-ended ones. This lets candidates express themselves in their own words.
Jot It Down: Ever had a brilliant thought and then promptly forgotten it? Avoid that by taking notes during the interview. It is your cheat sheet to remember the key highlights of the conversation.
Post-Interview Check-In: The conversation does not have to end with a handshake. Following up with the candidate is not just courteous; it is a chance to express gratitude for their time and maybe squeeze in a few more questions if needed.

Healthcare Interview Techniques FAQ:

What are some common interview mistakes?

There’s a handful of common missteps to sidestep, like avoiding illegal questions, avoiding assumptions about the candidate, and ensuring ample time for them to articulate their responses.

How can I tell if a candidate is authentic?

Keep an eye out for some telltale signs: genuine eye contact, the ability to delve into questions with detailed responses, and a lack of hesitation in admitting when they are not familiar with something. These cues can offer valuable insights into the authenticity of a candidate’s responses.

#2 Best Practice: Focus on Cultivating a Positive Workplace Culture

Company culture, the mosaic of shared values, beliefs, and behaviors that defines an organization, is the secret sauce of uniqueness and a catalyst for robust employee engagement and stellar performance. Leaders hold the reins in crafting this culture, setting the vibe for the entire organization while ensuring alignment with company goals and values.

Here are some tips for cultivating a positive company culture:

Define Your Values: Start by identifying what matters most to your company.
Communicate Effectively: Ensure everyone in the organization knows what your company stands for.
Lead by Example: Be the living embodiment of the values you wish to see in your team.
Foster Connections: Create opportunities for employees to forge connections, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Reward Cultural Champions: Recognize and reward employees who embody your company’s culture, reinforcing desired behaviors.

Building a Positive Culture in the Healthcare Workplace FAQ:

How can I measure my company’s culture?

Try looking into employee surveys, focus groups, and feedback analysis to get a pulse on your company’s cultural heartbeat.

What are some common cultural mistakes?

Some common cultural mistakes include failing to communicate values, not leading by example, and overlooking opportunities for employee connection. Avoiding these common pitfalls keeps your company culture vibrant and thriving.

#3 Best Practice: Diversify Your Healthcare Talent Search with a Variety of Resources

In today’s fiercely competitive job market, leaders must wield a diverse array of tools to unearth top-tier talent. Casting a wide net is more crucial than ever in discovering qualified candidates, and the avenues are plentiful.

Here are some tips leaders can tap into for talent acquisition:

Social Media: Harness the power of social platforms to connect with potential candidates.
Referral Programs: Spark enthusiasm among your employees to refer friends and family for open positions.
Job Boards: Navigate the landscape of job boards to effectively display your open positions.
Third-Party Recruiters: Collaborate with third-party recruiters to discover qualified candidates who may not be actively job-hunting.

Tapping Into Varied Talent Sources FAQs:

What are some of the benefits of using social media to find talent?

Social media opens doors to a broader candidate pool, connects you with passive candidates, and provides a more nuanced understanding of a candidate’s personality and fit for your company culture.

What are some tips for creating an effective referral program?

Enhance your referral program’s effectiveness by offering enticing incentives, and sparking enthusiasm and engagement among your team.

#4 Best Practice: Sustaining a Long-Term Healthcare Workforce

Retaining top talent is often more straightforward than trying to find new professionals. Leaders, recognizing the value of a solid team, must craft a plan for employee retention. Here are some actionable tips for keeping your top talent engaged:

Fair Compensation: Ensure your employees are compensated competitively to foster contentment.
Positive Work Environment: Cultivate a positive work environment that communicates value and appreciation to your employees.
Professional Development Opportunities: Fuel your team’s sense of growth and progress by offering ample opportunities for professional development.
Work-Life Balance: Help your employees strike a healthy work-life balance to ensure overall well-being.

Retaining a High-Performing Healthcare Team FAQs:

What are potential warning signs that an employee may be considering leaving?

Look out for indicators like declining performance, shifts in attitude, or increased absenteeism.

How can leaders proactively prevent employee turnover?

Implement strategies such as regular stay interviews, competitive compensation, and robust benefits packages to prevent turnover.

#5 Best Practice: Nurture Healthcare Talent with Employee Retention Strategies

Mastering effective leadership is a key ingredient for success in any organization. While leadership styles vary, certain core skills unite all exceptional leaders. Read more about industry-leading retention strategies here.

Here are a few examples of the most crucial leadership skills:

Communication: Leaders must communicate their vision and goals clearly, fostering understanding and connection with their team.
Decision-making: The ability to make sound decisions under pressure is paramount for leaders, benefiting both the team and the organization.
Motivation: Leaders should inspire and motivate their team, creating a positive and uplifting work environment while recognizing and rewarding accomplishments.
Delegation: Effective delegation involves trusting team members to get the job done and providing the necessary support for success.
Coaching and Development: Leaders need to provide feedback, identify areas for improvement, and help team members reach their full potential.

Future-Proofing Healthcare Teams FAQs:

How can leaders develop their leadership skills?

Explore avenues such as leadership development courses, reading leadership literature, and seeking mentorship from experienced leaders.

What benefits can strong leadership skills bring to an organization?

Strong leadership skills contribute to increased employee engagement, heightened productivity, and a more positive and productive work environment.

How SimiTree Can Help

Download this COMPLIMENTARY handout now for a shareable PDF of these effective leadership tips from SimiTree Talent Solutions experts.

At SimiTree, we understand the intricacies of leadership and workforce management. Our expertise lies in providing customized solutions to enhance your leadership capabilities and workforce performance. From executive coaching to organizational development, we partner with leaders to navigate the ever-evolving challenges of the healthcare landscape, ensuring sustained success.

We offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to address the unique needs of each organization. Our team of experienced consultants will work closely with you to understand your challenges and develop a strategic plan to achieve your goals.

If you’re looking to improve your agency’s talent operations, don’t hesitate to reach out to us with the contact form below or call us today at 866.839.5471. To confidentially inquire about interim leadership services, contact Wayne Regan, Managing Director, Interim Leadership, at wregan@simitreehc.com. If you need assistance recruiting for a permanent role, reach out to Eric Scharber, EVP at escharber@simitreehc.com. See what the best in the business can do for you!

Visit our Recruiting & Interim Leadership page for more information: https://bit.ly/49AFVIA

Want to Know More?

Landing Your Dream Job – Tips from Ryan Mattson

SimiTree’s 4 Ways to Attract & Retain Top Talent

Leadership Shortage Heroes: 3 Ways Interim Leaders Keep Agencies Afloat

Confidentially Inquire About Home Health, Hospice, and Behavioral Health Positions

Complimentary Talent Team Building Best Practices Handout