Learn key strategies for solving problems while leading physicians with effective problem-solving skills in healthcare leadership.

As a senior doctor, who is leading a team, you are regularly confronted with solving current problems. These may be urgent challenges where you have to act immediately: - emergency operations - treatment errors, - complaints from patients or relatives. Or there are - economic challenges, e.g. enquiries from health insurance companies, or - a current audit about which there are questions at short notice. Or there are conflicts - within your team, or - with other teams. Here are the 3 steps to proceed: 1. Prioritise: Is it a matter for the boss, or can you delegate it to your team? 2. Focus on solution! 3. Communicate immediately with your stakeholder about the action plan (who will act at which time).

What do you do if you need to solve problems while leading physicians?

Leading physicians, especially in a high-stakes environment like healthcare, requires a nuanced approach to problem-solving. You must balance assertiveness with empathy, and strategy with flexibility. When issues arise, it's essential to engage with physicians as respected peers, understanding that their expertise and insights are critical to finding solutions. Your role is to facilitate discussions, ensure all voices are heard, and guide the team toward a consensus that aligns with the best practices and patient care standards.

1 Understand Issues

To effectively solve problems among physicians, you first need to thoroughly understand the issues at hand. Listen actively to what the physicians are saying, and seek to comprehend the nuances of the problem from their perspective. This will not only show respect for their expertise but also provide you with a comprehensive view of the situation, which is crucial for informed decision-making. Remember, physicians are trained to diagnose and treat, so approach the problem as if you're collectively diagnosing an issue that requires a collaborative treatment plan.

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Diana Runge

online leadership coaching for doctors: head of medical department, medical director, senior doctors.
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As a senior doctor, who is leading a team, you are regularly confronted with solving current problems. These may be urgent challenges where you have to act immediately: - emergency operations - treatment errors, - complaints from patients or relatives. Or there are - economic challenges, e.g. enquiries from health insurance companies, or - a current audit about which there are questions at short notice. Or there are conflicts - within your team, or - with other teams. Here are the 3 steps to proceed: 1. Prioritise: Is it a matter for the boss, or can you delegate it to your team? 2. Focus on solution! 3. Communicate immediately with your stakeholder about the action plan (who will act at which time).

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2 Build Trust

Trust is the cornerstone of any successful team, and this is especially true when leading physicians. To build trust, you must demonstrate your commitment to the team's goals and show that you value their professional opinions. Be transparent about the problem-solving process and make it clear that you're working together towards a common goal. Consistent, open communication and showing respect for their time and expertise will go a long way in fostering a trusting relationship.

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3 Encourage Dialogue

Encouraging open dialogue is crucial when working with physicians to solve problems. Create a safe space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns without fear of retribution or dismissal. Facilitate discussions that allow for diverse viewpoints to be expressed, and encourage physicians to brainstorm solutions together. This collaborative approach not only leverages the collective intelligence of the group but also ensures buy-in from all parties involved.

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Junaid Khan

Healthcare Project & Programme Manager
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Dialogue helps build a way forward, it allows to reflect on the past, present and future, dialogue also helps with cohesion, with dialogue it is also recommended to have it formally organised with TORs, so that opportunity is provided for each to contribute, which allows the group to analyse input from each stakeholder, this ensures succinct navigation and the achievement of equality in group dialogue.

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4 Offer Support

Physicians often work under immense pressure, so providing support is key when leading them through problem-solving. This can mean offering resources, such as access to information or additional staff, or it could be emotional support through acknowledgment of their hard work and dedication. By showing that you're there to assist them and not just dictate solutions, you'll be more likely to engage their cooperation and commitment to resolving the issue.

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5 Implement Solutions

Once a solution has been agreed upon, it's important to implement it effectively. This means clearly communicating the action plan, assigning responsibilities, and setting timelines. Ensure that all involved physicians understand their roles in the solution's execution and the expectations placed upon them. Follow-up is also critical; monitor the progress of the solution and be prepared to make adjustments as necessary. This shows that you are committed to not just finding a solution but also seeing it through to success.

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Junaid Khan

Healthcare Project & Programme Manager
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One difference between a medical and non medical persons is the way each will analyse a problem, a medical person will typically have a high level understanding of the solution and it's limitations, a non medical person will bring perhaps an IT and or project management toolkit, it's leveraging this combination to form a think tank that takes the physician problem and technology opportunities/capabilities or limitations into account to uncover/discover real solutions to real problems, with practicality in mind of the proposed solution(s).

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6 Reflect and Learn

After navigating through a problem with physicians, take time to reflect on the process and outcomes. Engage with the team to discuss what worked well and what could be improved for future problem-solving endeavors. This reflection is not only a learning opportunity but also a chance to acknowledge the team's efforts and successes. Continuous learning and improvement will help you and your team become more effective in handling challenges that arise.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if you need to solve problems while leading physicians?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Issues

2 Build Trust

3 Encourage Dialogue

4 Offer Support

5 Implement Solutions

6 Reflect and Learn

7 Here’s what else to consider

Working with Physicians

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What do you do if you need to solve problems while leading physicians?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Issues

2 Build Trust

3 Encourage Dialogue

4 Offer Support

5 Implement Solutions

6 Reflect and Learn

7 Here’s what else to consider

Working with Physicians

Rate this article

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