Have you ever noticed how a simple “thank you” can turn a tough day around? In healthcare, it’s easy to get lost in problem-solving and overlook what’s working. When leaders consistently recognize effort and celebrate progress, everything changes. Teams thrive, morale soars, and patient care improves.

Every week in Calm the Chaos, I share practical strategies, inspiring real-world stories, and easy tech tips to help you build a practice where patients and your team feel truly valued.

STORY TIME:

How Recognition Revitalized a Pharmacy Team

BEFORE THE FIX

A pharmacy was struggling with high turnover and low morale. One technician, previously a star performer, started arriving late and making mistakes. Management focused on correcting errors but rarely highlighted what was going well. The team grew tense and disengaged.

THE SOLUTION

After leadership coaching, the manager realized she had missed chances to recognize wins. She began each morning huddle with a quick story about something positive, such as an act of kindness, a well-filled prescription, or a moment of teamwork. Recognition became a daily habit.

THE RESULTS

Motivation improved. The technician found her stride again, and team members started cheering each other on. Criticism gave way to collaboration. Patients noticed as well. Satisfaction scores climbed and reviews mentioned the pharmacy’s friendly, caring staff.

TAKEAWAY

Recognition is more than a feel-good gesture. It is the foundation for a resilient, high-performing team.

ACTIONABLE TIPS FOR THE WEEK:

How to Build a Culture of Recognition

👉 Spot and Share Wins in Real Time: Celebrate daily excellence in huddles, team chats, or with a quick note.

👉 Celebrate Publicly and Personally: Recognize team members in meetings and one-on-one. Share positive patient feedback and name the staff involved.

👉 Lift Up Every Team Member: Don’t just spotlight the top performers. Even small wins deserve attention.

👉 Connect Praise to Your Values: For example, “Thank you for your patience on that call. That is the service our patients count on.”

👉 Make Recognition Fun and Creative: Use a recognition wall, small treats, or team shout-outs to keep energy high.

Micro-Challenge:

At your next huddle, tell a story about a recent win, no matter how small. Notice how the atmosphere shifts. If you see a difference, reply to this email and share your experience. I would love to hear it!

TANIA'S TECH TIPS:

Google Forms for Peer Recognition

Want recognition to come from everyone, not just managers?

Set up a Google Form called “Caught You Doing Something Great.” Let staff submit shout-outs for their coworkers. Highlight these stories in huddles or your newsletter.

💡 Pro tip: Keep it easy. One question like, “Who did something great this week, and what did they do?” makes it simple to participate.

WHAT I’M READING:

The Success Principles by Jack Canfield

This book is filled with timeless strategies to help others succeed. Principle nineteen, “Acknowledge your positive past,” reminds us that recognition fuels progress.

“Recognition is the number one motivator. People need to feel appreciated.”

SMALL CHANGES, BIG RESULTS

If you want your team to live your values in every patient interaction, start by celebrating what’s working.

Everyone’s a VIP: Mastering Patient Communications for Excellence gives your staff the tools, language, and confidence to shine in every conversation.

TRAIN THE TEAM

P.S. If you want to take your leadership skills even further and attract the kind of team that drives your practice forward, join me live on June 25th at 12:00 PM CDT for my next masterclass: How to Hire Superstars for Your Medical Practice (And How to Keep Them). I will share step-by-step strategies you can use right away to find, hire, and retain the best talent so you can build a team that lifts your entire practice.

Live attendees will receive a free copy of my book, Medical Practice Makeover.

Register for the masterclass here.