Standards of Excellence: Teamwork

Work cooperatively within your department and with other departments.

Communicate your whereabouts to prevent confusion.

• Remember, your absence affects your teammates.
  "Jack, I let the supervisor know, but can you help spread the word that I am going to be off the floor and in a meeting from 2-4 pm today. Anyone who needs me can page me.

Be sensitive to the inconvenience your request may cause your co-workers.

• Avoid last-minute requests if you can. If you can't, remember to explain why you need the information so quickly. For example:
  "I know we're busy today, and I am sorry to bother you. I need your data for a meeting tomorrow. The deadline was moved up so we can get the project back on track. I appreciate your help."
• Consider other's priorities.
  "It seems like you really need the information now. I can make this call later."

Recognize and be sensitive to differences and diversity among your co-workers.

• Everyone on the team has unique talents and expertise to share. It helps to look at things from different perspectives.

Welcome new employees.

• Volunteer to participate as a buddy, mentor or preceptor if you can.

Be aware that other departments may need to interact with your customer.

• Always work as a team in the best interests of the customer.
  "I realize that we both need to see the patient now for different procedures. Let's decide together what would be best to do first."

Accept responsibility and hold yourself accountable.

Go out of your way to provide or find what's needed.

• For example:
  Don't say, "That's not my job." Instead consider saying, "Betsy, I can help you with that."
  Or, "Kathleen, I finished my morning rounds early. Let me help you finish up in Room 432."

Always emphasize the importance of the team in conversations with co-workers.

• For example:
  "It really felt good helping Joan with that procedure. We really work well together as a team."

Recognize and support the skills and qualities of others.

Recognize each other for service to patients, customers, and co-workers.

• Look for opportunities to praise every day. Be specific.
  "Ken, you did a good job of calming that customer down."
  Or, "Tasha, you always make the best of a bad situation. You're a role model for all of us."
  Or, "Julia, thanks for coming in today. I know it was your day off."
• Learn from your colleagues. They will appreciate your confidence in them.
  "You are really good at calling physicians to alert them about a problem with a patient. I need to do that more. Will you coach me?"
• Frequently tell co-workers how much you value them and why.
  "Heidi, you're great to work with. You really know how to run a meeting and keep us on track."
  Or, "I really appreciate your help getting that IV started. It's great having someone here who is as good as you are at that."
• Acknowledge outstanding service behavior by nominating co-workers with a Excellence Every Day card, Shout Out!, or even a Legend Award. Details are in the Employee Recognition Section on the Intranet (Staffnet).
  "Trina handled that crisis with such calmness and efficiency. Let's give her a Shout Out!"

Be aware of opportunities to help develop our co-workers.

• Provide help or seek assistance for co-workers who are having difficulty performing their jobs.
  "I noticed that you seem uncomfortable with that assignment. May I offer you some pointers?"
  Or, "I have an interesting patient today. I know you haven't done this particular dressing change. Would you like to help me?"

Exchange appropriate and professional information with co-workers.

• Share information obtained at workshops, professional conferences and seminars by making a presentation and handing out materials at department meetings and elsewhere.
• Follow your department's procedure for sharing information. Report unusual requests and circumstances. Choose the appropriate setting and communication strategy, be it e-mail, phone or face to face.
  "I would like to share a concern with you, and I don't think email or a memo is the best way to talk about it. May I schedule a brief meeting with you to discuss my concern?"

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