Back Talk: Leaders need care too

Pharmacists are experiencing one of the most challenging times in their careers. Strong leadership is even more crucial at this time. Demonstrating emotional intelligence, being the calm in the storm, providing clarity and direction, and holding the team together are essential roles. Leaders need to be the backbone of their teams—flexible, yet strong. But who looks after you? How do leaders not only survive but thrive during this time? Who is your support? Leaders must have their own support and connection in order to keep their teams healthy. Here are my top three tips for leaders of pharmacy teams. 1) Seek out other leaders who manage similar teams. Engage them in the sharing of frustrations and best practices. When I do this I always learn something. It might be a new system, tips for more efficiency or ideas for stress reduction. At the very least you get to express your frustrations with someone who just “gets it.” 2) Take time to recharge. I know this is a struggle There are many times when I’m trying to take a half-day or a full day off and then there’s an emergency; a fire to put out, something that needs immediate attention. Handling these crises negates the benefit of trying to take some time away from it all. Clearing the mind of work-related thoughts for a period of time is so important. Find the time to make that happen. 3) Feed the team. I mean this both literally and figuratively. When the team is positive it is so much easier to manage both the small and big fires. That resilence allows them to figure things out for themselves, remain calm and attend to patients with kindness in the midst of chaos. What does this look like? Use humour to diffuse tension. Share information freely, so your team knows where things are at currently and how they may be evolving. Be honest when you just don’t know. Ask them for their advice and input. And yes, food. Never underestimate the importance of bringing in lunch or a celebratory cake or any other food for your team! My favourite from this year is the cake on which I wrote “COVID sucks.” These actions boost moral, add to positive team culture and are just plain fun. Carlene Oleksyn, BSP Pharm, CDE, CTH, is the owner of Meridian Pharmacy in Stony Plain, AB, and owner and director of the Stony Plain Travel Clinic. Read last month's Back Talk about the importance of collaboration in the workplace.

Back Talk: Leaders need care too

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