On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and host Daniel Williams sits down with returning guest Amy Lafko — MGMA consultant, speaker, creator of the People First Method, and author of People First.  Amy shares practical, immediately usable strategies for medical practice leaders navigating 2026’s rapidly shifting regulatory landscape, workforce challenges, and rising emotional strain within healthcare teams.

From strengthening adaptability to reinventing onboarding, Amy delivers a toolkit that helps leaders build environments where teams feel supported, patients receive better care, and organizations thrive.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• (00:53) Amy’s healthcare leadership background shapes her "people first" philosophy — Beginning as a physical therapist and later serving in rehab, hospital, urgent care, and medical group leadership roles, Amy’s firsthand failures and successes inform her mission to help leaders avoid burnout and build thriving teams. 
• (02:00) Adaptability is the #1 leadership skill for 2026 — With regulatory uncertainty and fast‑changing payer environments, leaders must intentionally build their “capacity to adapt.” Adaptability is learnable and essential.
• (03:36) Productive conflict should be trained at all levels, not just leadership — Teaching frontline staff to resolve issues reduces managerial burden and increases team cohesion. Practices that invest here see faster self‑resolution and fewer escalations.
• (05:20) Rising frustration is being mistaken for “more conflict” — Most conflicts aren’t actually new; people’s emotional set point is simply higher due to uncertainty. Leaders must help teams regulate emotions to reduce escalations. 
• (08:03) The People First Method flips the traditional patient‑first mindset — Leaders shouldn’t bypass their teams to “get to the patient.” Supporting the team is what ensures outstanding patient care. 
• (10:19) Onboarding must shift from task‑checking to “alignment and inspiration” — Traditional onboarding (e.g., first‑day EMR videos) disconnects new hires. People‑First onboarding welcomes, aligns with values, personalizes training, and boosts long‑term retention.
• (12:26) Weekly check‑ins using five simple questions transform new‑hire success — Quick meetings built around consistent reflection and support help new hires feel connected, confident, and aligned from day one.
• (13:53) People‑first cultures start with one deceptively simple factor: willingness — Willingness to invest time up front, to be consistent, and to level‑set leaders across the organization.

RESOURCES 

Amy Lafko

• Amy Lafko's website
• People First: A Method for Developing Leadership and Team Culture - book

MGMA

• Medical Practice Staffing Solutions Playbook
• Medical Practice Staff Onboarding Playbook
• Human Resources Management Certificate
• Human Resources resources

Sponsor:
Capella University helps healthcare professionals earn their MHA on their terms. Their FlexPath MHA program is designed for busy MGMA members who want to advance their leadership skills with a flexible, self‑paced format — often faster and more affordably — without putting their careers on hold. Questions? Visit capella.edu/MHA to learn more.