Required Reading for Medical Practice Staff

Successful practice owners encourage personal development on their teams, and one of my very favorite ways to do that is through required reading for the office staff. Sound crazy? Maybe so, but there are some real benefits to be had.

Aside from building a solid team environment in your office, reading can help your team develop skills and leadership abilities.

Here are my top recommendations for your team's required reading in 2016:

1. "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," by Stephen R. Covey

Although this classic is nearly 25 years old, it is still one of the most transformational books for team reading and development. The book begins with shifting the paradigm so that you can move through the seven habits. The first three are related to self-mastery and the next three are related to teamwork, cooperation, and communication. The final habit helps to continue self improvement.

2. "The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work," by Shawn Achor

Recent studies have shown that happiness fuels success, not the other way around. In his book, Achor teaches how to reprogram our brains to become more positive, creative, and happy, which leads to more success and productivity.  Sounds pretty great for your team right?

3. "Daring Greatly," by Brene Brown

This book breaks down vulnerability and discusses how allowing ourselves to be open and vulnerable increases creativity, connection, and joy. Let this book open your team to becoming the kind of caring and creative leaders and ambassadors for your practice that you are looking for.

4. "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team," by Patrick Lencioni

Leadership skills by fable - this interesting and entertaining book has lessons every leader must learn to create success and productivity, and to lead others.

Each of these titles can be read and discussed in sections. This serves to build your team camaraderie, and learning from the books themselves can improve creativity, productivity, happiness, and overall success for your team and practice.