Leadership and Management in the Clinical Laboratory
Module 1: Leading and Management Framework
Leading and managing work hand in hand in most situations. However, they have differing expectations and outcomes when it comes to the laboratory setting. What is the difference between leadership and management? What are the skills associated with each? How can we measure the impact of effective leadership and management on health care systems?
Module 2: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the Laboratory
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are important aspects of a high functioning laboratory and help to reduce disparities and inequities, while expanding cultural competency and awareness of patients’ cultures. This module will define common terminology used related to LGBTQ+ communities, explain the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity, and reinforce the importance of pronouns. We also identify strategies for creating a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ people.
Module 3: Developing Successful Laboratory Teams
Effective teamwork leads to better outcomes. When you have a team of laboratory professionals working together toward a common goal, better quality is often the outcome. This module discusses the importance of having a vision and creating core values for your team. It discusses key characteristics of highly functioning teams and explores possible threats to team effectiveness.
Module 4: Supervising, Delegating, and Mentorship
Crafting your own management style is a key element of effective leadership and management. In this module we discuss how having a coaching or mentoring approach to working with others is beneficial. We also explore principles in effective delegating, providing performance feedback, and explore tools you can use to analyze performance problems.
Module 5: Managing Conflict in the Laboratory
Conflict happens to everyone, in all aspects of our lives. Conflict can range from simple disagreements that are easy to resolve to major disruptions in the laboratory workflow and quality process. This module will explore how conflict impacts team dynamics and teamwork and what cultural differences may exist in expressing and responding to conflict. We also discuss what actions you can take to resolve or manage conflict within a team.
Module 6: Communicating Effectively
Laboratory professionals focus much of their work on technical skills. Effective communication is a critical skill set for laboratory management both internally with team members, as well as customers and other external stakeholders. Building and maintaining interpersonal communication within the clinical laboratory helps to facilitate positive work experiences. This module helps you to identify your strengths and weaknesses in verbal, written and digital communications. We also discuss elements of persuasive communication and storytelling to enhance your ability to manage.
Module 7: Influence without Authority
Influencing without authority is a key skill every laboratory manager should possess. Authority is easily recognized, while influence is not; it is achieved by suggestions and support. In this module we explore the difference between positional and personal power and learn how you can use reciprocity and currency exchange to increase influence.
Module 8: Building a Diverse Workforce
Creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive laboratory workforce is critical to strengthening and encouraging employee retention. This module will explore the intricacies and mechanisms in which healthcare providers practice trauma-informed care for their patients and teaches how to create spaces within your professional laboratory for compassion and wellness among the team. This module also introduces a holistic review for recruiting and how you can incorporate this approach to diversify and strengthen your laboratory team.
Module 9: Managing Change in the Laboratory
Change happens in all clinical laboratories. Some changes are easy, and some are hard. It is natural for people to be hesitant and resistant to change. This module will focus on three key components that encompass change management: fostering a positive work climate, encouraging ownership and accountability among your laboratory staff, along with practical frameworks and tools for leading laboratory staff through change.
Module 10: Financial Management in the Clinical Laboratory
Budget and fiscal management of a clinical laboratory can cause challenges for new laboratory managers. This module introduces you to basic financial management principles and explains the roles and obligations of the leader and manager in relation to financial management.