Practice Manager Mentoring Sessions Available

As a practice manager running a busy GP practice, even with fully supportive practice principals, I sometimes felt quite alone in the role. Everyone else had busy and important jobs too, but mostly they had the benefit of colleagues with similar roles within the practice, who they could talk to. There are many practice managers who step up from receptionist roles with little training for a management role.  It can feel like you are flying by the seat of your pants, as you struggle to meet the expectations that come with your new title. And for many they have to juggle the new role within a limited timeframe, alongside receptionist duties as well.

Having a mentor, while you develop as a practice manager can make a real difference. It is easy to be filled with self doubt when taking on new responsibilities, so having someone experienced to check in with and talk things over can be a tremendous support. Sometimes it is just reassurance that you are doing the right thing, other times it is getting guidance when you have no clue about what to do. It is a worthwhile investment for principals to provide a mentor for their new practice manager, even for as little as an hour or two a month.

  I am proud to be part of the AAPM Mentor program in 2017, and love my role as a mentor. I feel privileged to support, encourage and guide my mentee, and I learn from them too. For the mentee, having support in a non judgemental and confidential venue helps build confidence and develop or strengthen skills. No matter how experienced you are, it is great to have other practice managers in your network, and someone you can have a chat with when you aren't sure about something.