If you've met Christine Shupe, VHMA's Executive Director, you know that she has a relatively small stature. But if you've encountered her, you know she has a big personality. Maybe it's because she rules the roost with a big stick. In all seriousness, though, Christine DOES NOT beat Board Members or staff, but rather uses a wide variety of communication skills and diplomacy to ensure that we have a well-functioning association and are focused on the end game. This photo was taken on Sandia Mountain following the recent Management Exchange in Albuquerque, NM.
Beyond the fun stuff, the Management Exchange provided us with a great opportunity to exchange ideas with our colleagues and brush up on much needed management skills. On the last day of the Management Exchange we enjoyed a presentation by Bob Mason based on his book The Art of Not Motivating - How Leaders Can Succeed by Understanding the True Nature of Motivation. We covered a fairly wide range of material but the one concept that was a great reminder to me was that as leaders in our practices, WE have the responsibility of communicating clear expectations to our team members. Without clear expectations how can we expect our staff to fulfill our mission? Now, as most of you know, this is not a new concept - you have probably heard this preached 100+ times by now. This time, something resonated with me, it occurred to me that it is common in many practices (it is certainly true of my practice) to get caught up in the micro details of day-to-day operations that we forget to clearly identify the broader picture, our mission, as it relates to everything we do. I guess you might say we can’t see the forest for the trees. In the hustle and bustle of dealing with construction, low staffing and key staff turnovers at our practice over the last several months, I have NOT been meeting regularly with the medical director, managers and supervisors in our practice corporately. How can I expect my staff to stay focused if I am not facilitating focused dialog? As I return from New Mexico with this much needed refresher I feel I am better equipped to face the challenges of practice life and provide direction for our team. I am thankful to VCA, my employer, for supporting my educational opportunities that help me be a better manager.
Jon Cunnington, MBA, CVPM
VHMA President