Maximize Team Talents for Better Patient Care

An inpatient in an average hospital for 72 hours will be touched by 30 people. Whether or not the patient achieves a quality outcome depends on how well caregiver teams communicate precise, accurate and timely information.

When two nurses on a unit at shift change like and respect each other, they share detailed information about the patient. But what happens when work values clash?

"Generational differences can create barriers for delivering quality care," explains \ Studer Group coach Greg Nelson. "Clinical competence isn't enough. We need to know more than the steps that will be taken; we need to work together on how it's going to happen. That's behavioral competence."

To create effective multi-generational teams, it's important to understand that individual reference points are different. Here's what you need to know about the people who work in your organization:

The good news is that high-performing employees share more similarities than differences. They are knowledgeable, experienced, and competent. To recruit and retain them, create a culture that acknowledges and respects differences in values. Here’s how:

Use key words. Don't talk about long-term benefits like extra vacation time or profit sharing. Instead say, “This is what you’ll learn,” "With these skill you can…", and "You'll work for/report to…"

Round on staff. Build relationships by sharing your own generational quirks with humor, honesty and openness. Provide opportunities to solve problems and access to information and resources. (Read more on “Rounding for Outcomes.")

Remember the little things. Nexters want equal treatment. Nexters and Xers like immediate feedback. Use a team approach to decisions.

And most importantly, remember to connect to purpose. If we can tap into the hearts and minds of what we do well, we maximize the motivators for every generation.

Greg Nelson is a Studer Group coach and popular speaker specializing in organizational leadership. He is also co-author of the book Zapp! Empowerment in Healthcare.