Martin Li, MA, CRCST, CER, CIS, CHL
As an SPD educator, noticing a decline in team performance
is a call to action. Here are five steps to address and reverse the trend
effectively:
1. Identify the Root Causes
The first step is a thorough analysis to uncover the
underlying issues contributing to the performance slip. Engage with team
members, observe daily workflows, and review recent feedback to identify
specific barriers. Possible causes might include unclear expectations, lack of
training, or resource shortages. A root cause analysis can reveal these gaps,
setting the stage for corrective actions.
2. Set Clear and Realistic Goals
Once the root causes are identified, establish specific,
measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to guide the
team back on track. For instance, if the issue is incomplete instrument
sterilization checks, set a target to achieve 100% accuracy within the next
three months (Cognota, 2023).
3. Provide Support and Resources
Ensure that your team has the necessary support, training,
and tools. This may involve refresher training sessions, providing easy access
to updated guidelines, or addressing supply chain issues. Support also means
encouraging an open-door policy, where team members feel comfortable discussing
challenges openly.
4. Monitor and Evaluate Performance
Continuous progress monitoring is essential. Implement
regular check-ins, either weekly or bi-weekly, to assess improvements and
provide timely feedback. Using tracking tools or performance dashboards can
help visualize progress and maintain accountability, encouraging team members
to stay focused on their goals (Parallel Learning, n.d.).
5. Adjust and Improve
As progress is evaluated, make adjustments as needed. If
certain goals prove unrealistic, modify them to maintain motivation. This step
ensures a culture of continuous improvement, where team members learn from
mistakes and successes alike, enhancing overall performance.
Following these steps, we can effectively realign our
team’s performance, fostering a proactive, empowered, and results-driven
sterile processing department.
References
- Cognota.
(2023, February 10). How to use SMART goals for training and
development. Cognota. https://cognota.com/blog/smart-goals-for-training-and-development/
- Instruction
Partners. (n.d.). Key Action II.1 - Set goals, roles, & monitor.
Instruction Partners. https://curriculumsupport.instructionpartners.org/key-action-ii-1/
- Iowa
Reading Research Center. (2017, May 23). Goal setting and progress
monitoring to address a literacy issue. Iowa Reading Research Center. https://irrc.education.uiowa.edu/blog/2017/05/goal-setting-and-progress-monitoring-address-literacy-issue-propel-initiative
- Massachusetts
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. (n.d.). Root cause
analysis, corrective action plans, and .... https://www.doe.mass.edu/ele/resources/root-cause-analysis.docx
- Parallel
Learning. (n.d.). How to track and monitor IEP goals: A resource for
IEP and special education teams. Parallel Learning. https://www.parallellearning.com/post/how-to-track-and-monitor-iep-goals-a-resource-for-iep-and-special-education-teams
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