When you're first starting out with training for your Audiology Assistant, one of the best things you can do as a Supervisor is to routinely check in. If your assistant is new to Audiology, it’s likely they are being exposed to new concepts and ideas, even if they have prior experience in customer service or in another healthcare field. Outside of any focused, hands-on training there will be learning opportunities and moments to help an Audiology Assistant grow in their knowledge of the field. But, more importantly, taking time to sit and discuss how things are going can create trust and show that you are also invested in their success.
It’s important for you to not only observe how an Audiology Assistant performs in their role, but to also sit down and get their input of how things are going. To make sure this crucial communication happens, set up an informal weekly meeting. Putting it on the schedule will make sure it remains a priority throughout the training process. Let’s discuss 3 things for you to discuss with your Audiology Assistant on a weekly basis.
Share a Patient Experience/Story From the Week
Think of story sharing as an icebreaker activity to help get the dialogue flowing. I’d encourage you to ask your assistant to share a high and low experience from the week. These stories can help give insight into where any strengths or weaknesses lie and where more focused training might be needed. Make sure to give praise where earned but also provide guidance and ways to handle situations differently as needed. Feel free to share your own high and low from the week, as well.
Ask How Things are Going
Having a short conversation each week is an opportunity to learn how your assistant feels they are doing. What do they think are their strengths and weaknesses and do you agree? This is another way to determine where more extensive training may be needed. You can also take the opportunity to ask additional questions such as: How’s the workload in the lab? Do you feel like you have enough time to get things done each day? What can we do to improve how your training is going? Having this insight will allow you to make sure you’re meeting your assistant where they are and letting them know that you are interested in them and their learning process.
What do you need from me?
Being willing to ask a question like “what do you need from me?” is an easy way to open the door for further dialogue with your assistant. How they answer this question may change week to week but by routinely asking it, you will show your assistant that you are there for them and that you want them to succeed. This question also provides you with the chance to discuss what you may need from them.
Meeting with your Audiology Assistant each week will help maintain their success in the role, will keep the dialogue open and ultimately sets your clinic up for continual positive experiences. More importantly, though, is that taking the time to meet each week will create an avenue for open communication and will let your assistant know that you are truly interested in their success.