Tip of the week: MSPs need to learn to delegate

Whether you’re on your own in the medical staff office (MSO) or you manage other staff members, you may find that some tasks are more appropriately accomplished in other departments or by a member of your MSO staff other than yourself. The inability to delegate can be one of the greatest drains on managers’ time. Delegating is the act of empowering otherse and making them accountable.

When delegating tasks to other people:

• Describe in detail the specifics of what you are delegating
• Be selective who you delegate what to
• Delegate small tasks first
• Be a resource without taking over the project
• Give realistic timelines for completion
• Provide the tools and resources necessary to complete the task
• Grant the authority and permission for staff to make pertinent decisions
• Reward and recognize their success in a timely manner
• Clarify your expectations over and over again

This week’s tip comes from Assessing your Medical Staff Office: Tools for Productivity by Beverly E. Pybus, CPMSM and Nancy Lian, CPCS, CPMSM.