On a recent episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight podcast, Jason Raidbard, Executive Administrator for the University of Chicago's Ophthalmology and Visual Science Department, shares practical insights on building a strong workplace culture that fosters connection, engagement, and productivity—no matter where or how teams work.
The Evolution of Workplace Engagement
The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally transformed how healthcare organizations approach work. Raidbard highlights how hybrid and remote work are no longer exceptions but have increasingly become the norm. "Far more people are working remote or hybrid than they were before COVID," he explains. This shift requires leaders to rethink traditional management approaches and develop more flexible, empathetic leadership strategies.
Servant Leadership in Practice
At the core of Raidbard's approach is the principle of servant leadership. "You have to put your people and their needs in front of yours," he notes. This means moving beyond simply assigning tasks to understanding individual team members' unique circumstances and challenges.
For Raidbard, this approach has yielded remarkable results – he achieved an engagement score of 4.79 out of 5, the highest in his organization's enterprise. “My scores weren't always that way in my career, but what I learned over time is that you have to adjust to what makes people sing – what's important to them,” he explains.
Building Trust in a Hybrid Environment
Communication becomes critical in hybrid work settings. Raidbard recommends using technology strategically – leveraging platforms like Microsoft Teams for impromptu conversations and face-to-face check-ins. "The only difference is we're not in the same setting," he explains. The key, he emphasizes, is maintaining genuine connections, regardless of physical location.
Addressing Burnout and Work-Life Balance
One of the most significant challenges in remote work is preventing burnout. Raidbard advocates for normalizing conversations about mental health and work-life balance. "You're no good to yourself, you're no good to your family, and you're no good at the workplace if you're coughing and stressed," he emphasizes. This means encouraging team members to take breaks, seek support, and prioritize their well-being.
The Importance of Self-Reflection for Leaders
Raidbard offers a powerful piece of advice for leaders struggling with team engagement: look inward. "The first thing you want to look at is yourself," he suggests. “You want to look in the mirror and you want to ask yourself, are you being true to yourself?”
Leaders should continuously ask themselves if they're being true to their leadership principles and if they're in the right organizational environment.
Practical Strategies for Engagement
Successful engagement requires practical approaches:
- Be present during conversations
- Ask about team members' personal lives
- Offer proactive support
- Celebrate team wins
- Recognize individual needs and challenges
Resources for Continued Learning
Raidbard highlights the value of MGMA's Member Community Live sessions as a critical resource for healthcare leaders seeking to improve their leadership skills. These sessions provide opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and networking without leaving the office.
As Raidbard describes: “The idea that we call it member community is a very perfect way to describe it. It’s a community of members getting together to talk about something that is important to them.”
Resources:
- Member Community Live - Connect with fellow MGMA members and subject matter experts to discuss topics that matter to you and your practice
- Connect with Jason Raidbard on LinkedIn
- University of Chicago's Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science - visit here
- If you would like to appear on an MGMA podcast and share your story, please email us at podcasts@mgma.com or click the green Ask MGMA button on any page of mgma.com.
