Case Study: My First Day
Ann Scheck McAleaney
Susan was both thrilled and terrified. Tomorrow was her first day as a manager. Having recently completed her Master of Health Science Administration degree at a prestigious local university, she had conducted a thorough job search and been hired as a new manager of patient accounts at University Health System. She had numerous interviews with various directors and other managers in the health system, as well as a lunch interview/meeting with six people who would report to her, but those interviews seemed far away.
Susan wanted to make a good impression and get off to a positive start, yet she wasn't sure what to do first. She learned the importance of listening in management, but she also knew she was the boss. Further, her own boss, the director of patient care services, had emphasized the importance of getting her employees to improve productivity at any cost. Susan had heard that, although her new direct reports were nice to one's face, they had a tendency to complain and scapegoat, which had led to the sudden departure of the previous manager of patient accounts. Susan was particularly nervous about being younger than all of her new employees. To quell her fears, she decided to make a list of what she wanted to accomplish in her first days and weeks on the job.
Case Questions:
Assume you are a friend of Susan's considering a similar position. What would you recommend that she put on the list?
How would you suggest that she prioritize her goals?