Category: IFABS

Why German doctors don’t implement time tracking despite unnecessary activities and high stress levels

What it’s all about

The majority of German GPs and specialists complain about a significant lack of time. However, only very few carry out analyses of the causes. Yet work analyses, in which practice owners document and evaluate their daily activities over a longer period of time (time tracking), show that around a third of the time spent can be saved through reorganisation. This article sheds light on the psychological reasons for the phenomenon of “unwillingness to analyse” and examines the underlying mechanisms.

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The influence of self-doubt on the work of managers

What it’s about

Self-doubt is a pervasive phenomenon in the lives of leaders. Its impact can be both destructive and constructive, depending on its nature and how it is dealt with. It is important to understand the difference between positive and negative self-doubt in order to recognize and manage their impact on leadership quality.

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‼️ Das Dilemma der HNO-Ärzte / The German ENT doctors’ dilemma

Worum es geht

Der HNO-Verband beklagt, dass seine Mitglieder aktuell vor großen Herausforderungen im Personalmanagement ihrer Praxen stehen. Das zentrale Problem ist ein akuter Mangel an Medizinischen Fachangestellten. Die Hälfte der HNO-Arztpraxen sucht derzeit, so der Verband, aktiv nach Mitarbeiterinnen und fast zwei Drittel haben in den vergangenen zwölf Monaten Angestellte verloren. Hauptargument ist, dass die Mitarbeiterinnen in besser bezahlte Positionen wechseln.

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A bad decision is better than no decision at all – A myth in management?

What it’s about

The frequently heard leitmotif “A bad decision is better than no decision at all” suggests that inability to act or procrastination are more harmful than a suboptimal decision. This philosophy is based on the idea that action, even if it is not perfect, always brings progress and can provide valuable insights. But is this maxim really tenable? In practice, the consequences of bad decisions are often more serious than the deliberation and hesitation. This article examines the veracity of this statement in the context of modern management practices and sheds light on when procrastination might be the better path.

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Skills shortage: The myth of salary as the main motivator in outpatient medicine

What it’s all about

The discussion about the shortage of skilled labour in German medical practices mainly focuses on salary as the key factor in solving the problem. It is often argued that higher salaries are the main means of retaining staff in practices and attracting new specialists. However, recent studies and research findings refute this assumption and show that other factors play a far greater role in employee motivation and retention.

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Why? The mechanisms and motives for a lack of employee appreciation by managers

What it’s about

Appreciation in the workplace is a key factor for the well-being and productivity of employees. Nevertheless, there are managers who do not express appreciation to their employees. There are many reasons for this, ranging from individual personality traits to structural and cultural factors within an organisation. This article examines in detail the various mechanisms and motivations that prevent managers from showing appreciation to their employees.

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Leadership Doppelgangers: Discipline versus rigidity

What it’s all about

Self-management is a crucial skill for managers. This competence includes the ability to reflect on oneself, to organise, to set goals and to pursue them efficiently. However, this can also lead to misjudgements. One example is the confusion between discipline and rigour. Although they are often used interchangeably, there are key differences between them that can have a significant impact on leadership quality.

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The five most common excuses used by GPs and specialists in Germany against changes in practice management

What it’s all about

Efficient and adaptable practice management is crucial for maintaining high standards of patient care and operational success. Despite this, many GPs and specialists in private practice are surprisingly resistant to change, even when there is clear evidence that their current systems are failing. Below are the five most common pretexts and excuses that practice owners use to avoid making necessary changes. Understanding the psychological motives behind these excuses is crucial to recognising the underlying resistance to change.

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The risks of toxic team harmony

What it’s all about

Harmony in teams is a key feature of successful collaboration. It promotes mutual respect, motivation and facilitates communication. These positive characteristics lead to a working environment in which creativity and productivity can flourish. But there is also a flip side to this coin: too much harmony can have a toxic effect and hinder the team’s development. Below we look at when harmony becomes harmful, how to recognise it and what negative consequences it can have for a team.

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