Team Playing For Medical Assistants

All employers agree that one of the qualities they most desire in their employees is the ability to be a team player. With an individual sport, such as running a marathon, a person sets individual goals, plans independently, and develops a strategy based on personal strengths and weaknesses. The person relies only on herself to accomplish the task, arrives at the finish line alone, and takes personal credit for the accomplishment.With a team sport such as soccer, goals are shared by the entire team, and the game plan is communicated and agreed upon between players.

On the field, players pass the ball to each other and lend support when and where it is needed. Everyone contributes to the process, and nobody performs alone. Personal sacrifices are made for the good of the team with the goal of achieving a team victory. Credit for the results, regardless of the final score, is shared by everyone on the team. Even players who may not particularly like one another understand that the welfare of the team comes before personal issues. They learn to work together effectively putting personal feelings aside—and as a result develop a measure of respect for one another.

Similarly in the health care setting, such goals as providing top-quality patient care and creating a profitable medical practice are shared by the entire team. Effective communication is critical to the process and members of the team lend one another support when it is needed. Nobody performs in isolation. Everyone’s contribution and cooperation is essential. On occasion, personal sacrifices are made for the good of the team so that the goals can be achieved. Although it is preferable, it is not mandatory for all employees to like one another. Even so, they must develop the ability to work together in a cooperative and respectful manner. Medical assistants who develop the ability to be true team players will be highly appreciated and valued by everyone.