Three questions to help problem solve

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Good morning.  It's Friday, and I am 8 hours, with one staffing crisis and one scolding from an angry family member away from the weekend.

The team at ShiftMed has me taken care of with the staffing crisis so let's dive into today's topic.

Elevate your operation

I absolutely love working in our industry.  One of the main reasons I enjoy it is that change can be implemented, and the impacts are seen and felt immediately.

As leaders, we can see problems and potential solutions from a different lens.  Being one step removed from a situation provides clarity and a different viewpoint.

I used to think my regional leaders were brilliant.  Now I know they simply viewed my problems through an elevated viewpoint and were able to emotionally detach themselves from the situations.  They were one step removed from my challenges.

She was looking at the forest; all I could see were trees.

Here are three questions I ask myself and my team when problem-solving or looking to get through a challenge.  Now that I can see the forest, these questions have proven to help me elevate my viewpoint.

1.  What is the short-term solution?

Some problems are solved with one quick solution.  The final solution for most problems takes time to plan and implement.  Most problems require an immediate short term-fix to bridge the gap to a longer, more permanent solution.  Most of the time, teams focus on one or the other (short-term vs. long-term) but not both.

2.  What is the long-term solution?  

This is where you fix the process.  Similar to writing a POC, you're answering the question, "What systematic changes will you put in place to ensure the problem does not reoccur?"  Now that you have a short-term stopgap, you can focus your energy on the process that will ultimately solve the issue.

3.  What do your colleagues think about your proposed solutions?

I have two peers on speed dial to bounce ideas off. 

One is my counterpart- she has the same role as me, overseeing a different portfolio at our organization. 

The second colleague works as an NHA for a completely different company.  He's experienced and gives me brutally honest feedback.

There is value in obtaining feedback from other individuals who intimately know your role and your challenges but are not emotionally tied up in your decisions.

Run the scenario through your trusted resources and listen intently to the feedback.  It may not be what you want to hear, but it's an unbiased viewpoint that, more times than not, can help you see the impact of your decision before you're locked in.

So the next time your team comes to you with a problem, help them see solutions through a different lens.  Ask them.

What's the immediate solution?

How do we fix the process to create a long-term solution?

And

What do your colleagues think about your ideas?

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ShiftMed has a staffing solution for every need and is here to support at any hour. Our platform delivers easy-to-use, effective, and innovative tools that help providers streamline their day-to-day operations and optimize their show rates. ShiftMed’s nationwide network of seasoned, reliable healthcare professionals in tandem with a dedicated support team is here to help.

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Grab your coffee and make it a great day.  We appreciate you and your dedication to your team and residents. -Thank you!