chapter 14: teamwork and leadership

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Chapter 14: Teamwork and Leadership

Chapter 14: Teamwork and Leadership


Types of Health Care TeamsTypes of Health Care Teams

• Administrative

• Medical emergency

• Hospital patient care

• Physician’s office

• Outpatient care


Definition of a TeamDefinition of a Team

• Team Composition

– Two or more individuals organized to function cooperatively

– Members focused on the same results

– Health care team: professionals with a variety of:

• Health-related backgrounds

• Education

• Experiences


Definition of a Team (cont’d)Definition of a Team (cont’d)

• One-Profession Team: Nursing Team Example

– Registered nurses (RNs)—team leaders

– Licensed practical nurses (LPNs)

– Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs)

– Certified nursing assistants (CNAs)



• Multidisciplinary Team

– Cooperative group of professionals with different:

• Qualifications

• Skills

• Areas of expertise

– Team members complement one another

– Provide comprehensive health care

– Example: cardiac rehabilitation team



• Elements of Team Structure

– Team purpose

– Team goals

– Team members’ roles

– Team functions



• Team Purpose

– What is the reason for the team?

– What does it hope to accomplish?

– Points all members in right direction

– Determines how team should develop & move forward

– For health care team: to provide or support patient care



• Team Goals

– Common goals or objectives

– Decisions not made independently

– Focus on best interest of team

– Willingness to listen to opinions of other members



• Team Members’ Roles

– Team leader

– Recorder or secretary

– Spokesperson

– Resource

– Implementers



• Team Functions

– Activities carried out to meet goals

– Unique skills & experiences matched to tasks

– Effectiveness of individual impacts all others



• Required Ingredients for Effective Teamwork

– Open & honest communication

– Sufficient organizational resources

– Mutual support

– Understanding & recognizing role & function of each member



• Guidelines for Preparing Team Meetings

– Set meeting time & place in advance

– Choose a day & time when all members are available

– For regular meetings, schedule for same day & time

– Distribute agenda before meeting



• Group Communication

– Listen with full attention to other members

– Express ideas as clearly as possible

– Encourage feedback on all ideas

– Avoid letting negative emotions cloud communications



• Tips for Contributing to a Team

– Remember group dynamics (how members relate to each other)

– Encourage contributions from everyone

– Avoid letting one member dominate



• Sources of Conflict

– Substance vs. personality differences

– Independent work & limited group conversation

– Atmosphere of distrust & suspicion

– Differences in:

• Training

• Knowledge

• Experience

– Competitive work environment



• Managing Conflict: Steps in Problem Solving

– Assessing

– Diagnosing

– Creating a plan

– Implementing the plan

– Evaluating the plan

– Modifying the plan (if necessary)


LeadershipLeadership

• Definition of Leadership

– The ability to influence others while working toward a vision or goal


Leadership (cont’d)Leadership (cont’d)

• Characteristics of Successful Health Care Leaders

– Understand complexity of coordinated care

– Remain open to different points of view

– Understand interdependency of health care team



• Leadership Skills

– Communication

– Problem solving

– Management

– Self evaluation



• Leadership Styles

– Autocratic (directive)

• Leader controls decisions & activities

– Democratic

• Leader shares decisions & activities

– Laissez-faire (non-directive)

• Leader hands over power to group



• Leadership and Management: Four Functions of Managers

– Planning

– Organizing

– Directing

– Controlling



• Preparing for a Leadership Role

– Identify your strengths

– Evaluate how you accomplish work

– Clarify your values

– Assume responsibility for relationships

chapter 14: teamwork and leadership

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