Eyeworld Daily News

EW SHOW DAILY 20 ASOA News Monday, April 16, 2018 by Erin L. Boyle EyeWorld Contributing Writer ity in the workplace? Ms. Barkey's answer was succinct. "Get rid of the negative Nancy's," she said. "They will bring you down." Mr. Seals said he sees morale as an engagement issue. He traveled to clinics in his 315-employee practice, meeting all staff and learning their names and concerns. "Your team needs to see that you're available," he said. It all comes back to taking time to value people and their input, the panel agreed, as well as continuing to learn and accept feedback. "Being teachable all throughout your career is key to being able to continue to learn and grow," Mr. Smith said when the panel was discussing men- torship. Ms. Casebolt agreed, saying that being humble can help mentors make a real impact. EW M any years ago, Patty Casebolt's mentor, John Pinto, asked her to do a simple task—or so it seemed. "Sell this pen to me," he said. At the Administrator Beginner's Circle (ABC) luncheon and program on Sunday, Ms. Casebolt, Medford, Oregon, answered the question, "How have mentors impacted your career and how can you find them?" with the story of Mr. Pinto's ask. She said at first, she tried to sell him the pen by telling him all the positive aspects of it, including how it had a retractable point so it wouldn't stain clothing. Then he gently pointed out that she hadn't asked why he was asking, and what he specifically wanted in a pen. This reframe helped Ms. Casebolt, who had a background in sales, see better how being an administrator is seeking out what others need—and helping them achieve those needs. "I want to be ready—ready for anything," she said. Mr. Pinto's gen- erosity of spirit as a mentor helped her achieve that. "For me, anyone can be a men- tor if I'm open to what they know and ask questions," Ms. Casebolt said. She served on a panel answer- ing questions with Zachary Smith, MHA, COE, Federal Way, Washing- ton, leading the discussion, with Patti Barkey, COE, Jacksonville, Florida, and Ben Seals, MBA, Atlan- ta, also taking part. They shared their tips for new administrators: • Ms. Casebolt: Know your limita- tions and bring in an expert to help. • Ms. Barkey: Use all your resources and create a "lifeline" where you can go for assistance. • Mr. Seals: Do your investigation and homework, and don't be too hasty in making changes. They shared how they handle small talk with staff: • Ms. Casebolt: Be open and be vulnerable, sharing with your em- ployees in an open and respectful way. • Ms. Barkey: Close your door when you need to and understand that an open door policy is not always possible when you need to get work done. • Mr. Seals: Value small talk because it shows staff that they are people, not just business assets. They spoke about how they priori- tize their busy days: • Ms. Casebolt: In her practice, they "protect" Fridays and have no meetings on those days, allowing for work on infrastructure. After learning more about mindfulness, she incorporated a "mindfulness minute" before meetings with a minute of programmed music so staff can take a moment to breathe. • Ms. Barkey: Schedule, and respect the schedule. • Mr. Seals: "Calendar" time for learning and take time every morning before the day starts to review what needs to be done overall. And how should administrators boost morale and reduce negativ- ABC luncheon and program: Value connection, mindfulness, time Mr. Smith leads the discussion at the Administrator Beginner's Circle program with Ms. Barkey, Mr. Seals, and Ms. Casebolt. Pinnacle Award honoree announced at ASOA Opening General Session K athryn Fair, MHA, COE, Ophthalmic Surgeons & Consultants of Ohio, Columbus, received the ASOA Pinnacle Award for Volunteerism at the ASOA Saturday Opening General Session. The ASOA Pinnacle Award for Volunteerism was established in memory of William E. Rose Jr., and recognizes ASOA members who have tirelessly contributed to the society's mission of advancing the skills and professionalism of ophthalmic practice management in the preceding calendar year. Prior to 2010, the award recognized ophthalmology practices that demonstrated an exemplary effort to eliminate potential abusive bill- ing practices and maintain compliance with government regulations. Nominees are chosen by the ASOA Board of Directors and are evaluated by their ASOA involvement in the following categories. • ASOA membership (minimum of 3 years required) • Service on ASOA committees or task forces • Speaker at ASCRS•ASOA Annual Meeting • Active contributor to ASOA EyeMail • Article author for Administrative Eyecare • Roundtable facilitator at ASCRS• ASOA Annual Meeting Kathryn Fair, MHA, COE

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