Member Focus

Title: Senior Operations Consultant
Facility Name: Avanza Healthcare Strategies
City: Florence
State: South Carolina
Length of time your facility has been an ASCA member: Five or more years

How do you keep staff morale up?

Staff morale starts with great leadership. In ASCs, this begins with the governing board selecting an administrator who creates an environment of teamwork, respect and efficiency. When call-ins are high and the staff does not have the opportunity to enjoy downtime during a quick break or time off for vacations, morale will tank. Encouraging staff and aligning on common goals will keep them focused and pushing through when times are uncertain or busy. Pens, reusable cups and T-shirts are great gifts but if a leader waits to show their team that they are valued and appreciated with gifts, chances are morale is already an issue. Be proactive and engage and your staff will follow.

What are your best tips for running an effective and efficient governing body meeting?

Have an agenda and stick to it. Time the sections of the material and allow for questions and feedback from the board. Coordinate with the president and medical director to ensure everyone is on the same page going into the meeting. Try to make the meetings something to look forward to and not a dreaded occurrence.