What are the most effective ways to adapt to physicians' work styles?

2 Respect their time and priorities

The second step to adapt to physicians' work styles is to respect their time and priorities. Physicians are often busy, stressed, and under pressure to meet multiple demands and deadlines. They may not have much time to chat, explain, or listen to your concerns. Therefore, you need to be concise, clear, and relevant when you communicate with them. Avoid unnecessary details, interruptions, or distractions. Focus on the main points, the outcomes, and the actions needed. Anticipate their questions and provide evidence or solutions. Also, respect their preferences for communication modes and frequency. Some may prefer email, phone, or face-to-face, while others may prefer text, chat, or video. Some may want regular updates, while others may only want to hear from you when there is a problem or a change.

3 Align with their goals and values

The third step to adapt to physicians' work styles is to align with their goals and values. Physicians are motivated by different factors, such as patient care, quality improvement, research, innovation, or education. They may also have different values, such as autonomy, integrity, excellence, or compassion. By understanding what drives them and what matters to them, you can tailor your approach and message to appeal to their interests and needs. For example, if a physician is passionate about research, you can highlight how your work supports their research goals and provides them with useful data. If a physician values excellence, you can demonstrate how your work meets or exceeds their standards and expectations.

4 Build trust and rapport

The fourth step to adapt to physicians' work styles is to build trust and rapport with them. Trust and rapport are essential for effective collaboration and communication. They can also help you overcome potential conflicts or misunderstandings. To build trust and rapport with physicians, you need to show respect, professionalism, competence, and reliability. Respect their expertise, authority, and opinions, even if you disagree with them. Be polite, courteous, and attentive. Show that you are competent and confident in your own skills and knowledge, but also willing to learn from them and others. Deliver on your promises and commitments, and admit your mistakes and apologize when necessary. Also, try to find common ground and shared interests with them. Show genuine interest in their work, their background, their hobbies, or their family. Express appreciation and gratitude for their support, guidance, or feedback.

5 Seek feedback and improvement

The fifth step to adapt to physicians' work styles is to seek feedback and improvement. Feedback is a valuable source of information and learning. It can help you improve your performance, your relationship, and your satisfaction. To seek feedback from physicians, you need to be open, curious, and humble. Ask for their opinions, suggestions, or recommendations on your work, your communication, or your collaboration. Listen actively and attentively to their feedback, without interrupting, defending, or arguing. Thank them for their feedback and acknowledge their perspective. Follow up on their feedback and show them how you have implemented it or what changes you have made. Also, give feedback to them when appropriate. Be constructive, specific, and timely. Focus on the behavior, not the person. Provide positive feedback as well as constructive feedback.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?