This is just the type of thing I am talking about. Although, this is much more blatant irresponsibility and misbehavior. The problem in giving advice is the fact that I do have too much objectivity here. It is so simple to look at your problem and just say they need to be admonished.
How do they respond when you simply say you need to go back to your work station? That is one thing about my employees. They will go on their cell phone when they shouldn't. Or forget to do something. But, if I ask one to stop talking and to do something, they do it right away.
I think a big issue is it is difficult to run a practice without an office manager. Every place I worked where there was an office manager, they actually ended up having more power than I. But, then it is easy to let them be the heavy.
It is also more difficult the smaller your office is. When you have only 3.5 employees, you simply have a difficult time disciplining them. Sure, don't be their friend, but if your personality is like mine, that is easier said than done.
I guess coming from me, this may not be as good advice. But, I guess I would use the approach of asking questions. For instance, have them come into your office and have them sit down. First, ask them if they know why you are talking with them. Then name the behavior and ask them if they think it is productive? They will almost always say no. Then ask them what you should do? Let them decide. Of course, you can always say, "I thought of that, but I am actually going to do this." You could ask them, there have been a lot of mistakes in the schedule. Anyone can make mistakes, but do you think doing this type of stuff could contribute to it. Either way, I need you to stop it.
Another problem that I have is how important the employee is. Now, if I had a dime for every time someone told me "No one is irreplaceable..." But, some employees are irreplaceable. I mean you could say the same thing about Tom Brady or Jerry Montana. Tom Brady can be replaced. No he can't! Sure, you could, but your team will suffer.
I always have to look at it in that light. My CMA is probably the best there is. Period. She is unbelievably good. She is practically a nurse practitioner with an incredible work ethic. She treats every patient with complete respect. Problem is she disrespects me. At times. It isn't like its five times a day. But, I do have staff that I would have no problem terminating.
So, I guess there are a lot of variables. Is the person that is being talked to someone you feel comfortable talking with? You could say, "I notice that Mary comes back and talks to you a lot. I will talk with Mary about it, but I really need you to refrain from talking to her. Just tell her you are busy."
