“There's Nothing I Can Do to Make the Doctor Happier.”

“There's Nothing I Can Do to Make the Doctor Happier.”

An office manager recently told us, “The doctor has mood swings. He looks unhappy for days. There’s nothing we can do about it.”

The consultant pointed out how that is not true. In fact, employees can boost their boss' morale. They can give the boss more optimism and less stress. They have more power than they know.

However, it takes more than smiling or saying nice things. While being positive and cheerful is important, you have to take action. Some of these actions are not easy, but each one is very effective.

Ten Ways to Make Your Boss Happier

1. Present solutions.

For example, an upset patient calls for the doctor. Instead of passing on the problem, you find a solution. “Dr. Green, Julie Smith called and was upset because she didn’t understand the procedure. I handled her and she’ll be here on Friday. I was thinking I could write a patient education letter to give to the patients. If it's okay with you, I'll write it this afternoon and put it on your desk for approval before I leave tonight.”

2. Acknowledge accomplishments.

Get excited about an accomplishment of the boss. “Mr. Adams is a changed man! He was so excited after his appointment that he gave a little skip on his way out the door.”

3. Defend the boss.

“I overheard you say that Dr. Andrews is too much of a perfectionist. I want you to know this is a good thing! There’s no one else who can treat patients like her and I think we’re very lucky to work for her.”

4. Protect your boss' time.

Save questions. Talk quickly. Get to the point. Stick to the facts.

5. Follow office policy.

If you disagree with a policy, propose a change. Otherwise, know and follow the rules, to the letter.

6. Be a professional.

Dress like a professional. Act like a professional. Do professional work.

7. Brag about the boss.

“My mother won't see anyone but Dr. Williams. She says he saved her life!”

8. Support changes the boss wants.

Before making changes, most bosses put a lot of thought to the change. When employees then give resistance, it makes the boss' job twice as hard.

Instead of looking for problems with a change, look for ways the change will help you.

9. No excuses, “can'ts” or problems.

Staff members can ruin a practice owner's day with excuses (“I just didn't have enough time to do that.”), can'ts (“The computer can't do that.”) and problems (“I can’t get them to pay!”)

Instead, say things like, “I'll work it out.” “I can do it.” “I'll make it go right.”

10. Deliver more than you promise.

Beat deadlines. Exceed quotas. Constantly improve.

Surprise your boss with extraordinary results and sooner or later, your boss will give some pleasant surprises back to you!

Have A Great Week! Brian Rakestraw, Managing Partner