All pharmacists dread extremely busy days, when the number of customers in queue is steadily increasing and the flow of work is augmenting every minute. These days are the cause of concern and confusion among the staff and it is the pharmacist’s responsibility to guarantee that efficient service is provided to the customers even at these days by creating team spirit and encouraging collaboration.
The pharmacist and his staff are members of a team that has to run like clockwork both in calm and stressful days. They deal with different needs of patients and consumers and they must provide useful and meaningful advice, making sure that the patients understand the treatment to be followed. At the same time, they must respond to phone calls, complete an order sheet, deal with the consumers’ loyalty program, inform about new products and answer diverse questions. A real mess which the pharmacist has to get under control and give solutions to all kinds of problems; from a printer that refuses to cooperate to a resentful customer who is waiting too long in the queue.
Effective teamwork is achieved through training and sharing responsibilities. You are the director of the orchestra and it is your duty to assign responsibilities, develop a team spirit, familiarize your staff with all the issues of the pharmacy and hold them responsible for the results they deliver. You have to build a company culture, because it sustains enthusiasm among your employees and prompts everybody to behave as a member of a well-organized team. They will enjoy their work; even more, they will look forward to come to their job. The team spirit will alleviate the work-related stress and your pharmacy will thrive.