Medicine & Health Care: Effective Workgroup, Essay Example

A workgroup is made up of a group of people who work together to achieve certain objectives; many workgroups face different kinds of  misunderstandings and conflicts and my group is no exception; this realization put me to task of finding out why, how and what causes these conflicts. This paper is going to address different themes that constitute the making of a decent workgroup.

First off, we must understand the key elements that enhance effective workgroups, considering we are dealing with a healthcare group. Note that effective workgroups will determine if the output will meet the timelines and quality established (Goodman, 1999). The most crucial element that will determine the success of a workgroup is the creation of a serene working environment for the group. When appropriate working conditions have been put in place, focus should be directed to the attainment and development of common goals. An effective healthcare workgroup should ensure that the quality of patient care is improved, this can only be achieved through enhancing patient safety and reducing work loads to the group members which might cause burnouts. Having a clear purpose, developing exceptional communication skills and having effective mechanisms to resolve conflicts will always create effective workgroups. A full job description should be given to every individual in the group, this will encourage hard work and commitments, note that the above elements should be followed to the latter to achieve the required objectives

Communication is an integral part for the success of any workgroup; however, proper communication has always been faced with many challenges. A team that lacks appropriate professionals will surely face communication problems at one time during its operations. Professionals usually produce skilled team leaders who enhance excellent communication habits. Having limited training in interdisciplinary cooperation usually pose big obstacles to good communication, such members tend to read from a different script from the other members thus miscommunication occurs (Burtis & Turman, 2005). The size of a group will always determine the effectiveness in communication, unusually small or a very large group tends to experience miscommunication in great extents. Lack of appropriate mechanisms for opportune exchange of information might create a barrier to communication; therefore, it is crucial that workgroups develop suitable mechanisms of timely dissemination of information.

Corvette (2006) asserts that avoiding conflicts in groups where members perform different roles calls for proper communication techniques; each group member should express his/her thoughts and feelings openly. Being honest and open showcases ones ability to communicate well, this shows that, the said person possesses good communication skill. Communicating without being judgmental is also an excellent communication technique, never blame other group members but express your concerns as an individual. Communication between different departments that work under one company is particularly important; this will ensure that the organization is operating as a whole. To facilitate proper communication within departmental heads, they should always work hand in hand. Information should always be disseminated to the correct person and at the correct time; communication can be done through team leaders and memos that can be distributed to the relevant parties (Dudley, 2004). This will ensure that everybody has the information at the right time to facilitate crucial decision making.

To prevent conflicts from happening again, a person should accept the existence of the said conflict and bring it out in the open. Separate the worrying factions from the dispute through guidance; this will assist in diffusing the emotional part of the conflict. Remember to deal with one problem at a time by addressing easier problems firs. Finally, listen and understand the worrying parties rather than just evaluating them.   Leaders have the authority of ensuring that conflicts do not occur in their areas of jurisdiction, good leaders should address the problems in their teams before the problem leak to other departments (Dudley, 1994).

Being given the mandate of addressing conflicts that arise between teams and different departments is an enormous task. I will ensure that each team solves its internal conflicts within itself; this will ensure that these conflicts do not leak to other departments. In case a dispute arises between a team and another section, I will ensure that I get the root cause of the conflict. After identifying the source, I will talk sense into the source of that conflict to prevent it from happening again. Suspensions shall be the final solution to those members who will be implicated in encouraging this vice.

References

Burtis, J., & Turman, P. (2005). Group Communication Pitfalls: Overcoming Barriers to an Effective Group Experience. Los Angeles: Sage Publication.

Corvette, Barbara. (2006). Conflict Management: A Practical Guide to Developing Negotiation Strategies. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Dudley, Weeks. (1994). The Eight Essential steps to conflict Resolution. Los Angeles: Tarcher.

Goodman, Paul. (1999). Designing Effective Workgroups. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass