eLABorate Topics

Hosts:

- Tywauna Wilson  

- Stephanie Whitehead

- Lona Small

In this Roundtable episode, Tywauna Wilson, Lona Small and Stephanie Whitehead discuss strategies for identifying and dealing with difficult people in the workplace. They provide tips on managing emotions, maintaining composure, and having crucial conversations in challenging interpersonal situations. 

Key Topics

Characteristics of "difficult people" - rigid, argumentative, lack of respect for authority, complaining, emotional outbursts, rude, refuses to acknowledge mistakes

Importance of not labeling people

 Strategies:

o   Emotional intelligence - self-awareness, empathy

o   Nonviolent communication - no judgmental language, address concerns constructively

o   DISC assessment - adapt to different communication/behavioral styles

o   Conflict resolution - active listening, validate concerns, find common ground

o   Mindfulness-  Pauses before reacting, considers motivations. Reduces emotional hijacking.

o   Positive intelligence - see challenges as opportunities for knowledge, power/influence, inspiration. This method allows leaders and teams to continuously practice emotional regulation, empathy, peace of mind, clear focus, and creativity, resulting in increased productivity, strong work relationships, and peace of mind.

 Steps for positive intelligence:

o   Empathize

o   Explore

o   Innovate

o   Navigate 

o   Activate

Managing emotions:

  - Acknowledge emotions

  - Practice active listening

  - Stay calm and empathetic

  - Set boundaries

  - Avoid escalation

  - Seek support/advice

  - Focus on solutions

  - Learn from experiences

Communication strategies:

  - Clarify and paraphrase

  - Use "I" statements

Practical example of managing emotions as a leader

- Importance of self-care and debriefing with trusted colleagues  

- Give yourself grace as you practice these skills

Recommended Resources:

 Book: Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine 

Reach out to Lona Small to learn how your full team can create a culture utilizing Positive Intelligence where they continuously practice emotional regulation, empathy, and have peace of mind, clear focus, creativity resulting in increase productivity and strong work relationships and peace of mind.

§  Nonviolent communication method

§  DISC assessment  

§  Find a mentor or coach to help debrief difficult situations

Actions:

o   Identify any "difficult people" in your workplace

o   Try utilizing some of the strategies covered, like empathy and conflict resolution

o   Practice managing emotions and having crucial conversations

o    Build your support network to debrief challenges

o   Don't give up - it takes practice to improve these skills!

Call to Action

We would love to feature YOU!!! Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode or anyone from this season: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter! 

1.          Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform

2.          Become a member of LabVine at labvinelearning.com and listen to eLABorate Topics podcast on VineStream

3.          Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode! 

4.          Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

5.          Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

6.          Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Be a Guest on our show!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or send us an e-mail us at [email protected].

Please tune in next week to hear another amazing episode of eLABorate Topics!

In this  episode of eLABorate Topics podcast Lona Small provides strategies for lab leaders to rediscover their passion and purpose. Lona shares a 7-step roadmap to help reignite the fire and drive change through purposeful leadership.

1. Uncover Your Calling: Identify your unique purpose and passion within the field of lab medicine. Find the niche that ignites your passion and allows you to make a difference.

2. Clarify the Destination: Envision the impact you want to create and the benefits it will bring. Get clear and excited about the change you will spearhead.

3. Become Fully Immersed: Remove distractions and become 100% focused on your purpose. Surround yourself with learning, mentors, conferences etc. to become a true master of your niche. 

4. Rally Your Team: Communicate your inspirational vision and get your team excited about it. Encourage ideas from them to unite everyone in purpose.

5. Execute the Plan: Involve your team in setting goals, timelines, metrics etc. Stay focused on the end goal while celebrating small wins along the way.

6. Celebrate the Wins: Recognize and reward your team's achievements. Analyze the impacts created to further motivate everyone. 

7. Expand Your Influence: Broaden your impact by sharing your niche expertise through publishing, speaking, training etc. Pursue lifelong growth and leave a legacy.

Key messages: Let your unique purpose and passion fuel your leadership. Create a vivid vision, fully commit, engage your team, persist through obstacles, and share your niche expertise to drive change. Rediscover your fire and create the impact you were meant to.

Call to Action

You can reach Lona Small directly at [email protected] 
 You can also catch Lona on LinkedIn under Lona Gordon Small and follow hashtag #YouAreAnEqualPartOfTheWhole.

We would love to feature YOU!!! Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode or anyone from this season: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter! 

1.       Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform

2.       Become a member of LabVine at labvinelearning.com and listen to eLABorate Topics podcast on VineStream

3.       Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode! 

4.       Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

5.       Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

6.       Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Be a Guest on our show!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or send us an e-mail us at [email protected].

Please tune in next week to hear another amazing episode of eLABorate Topics!

In this episode, co-host Stephanie Whitehead chats with Life Coach and DEI Advocate, Cherie Hodge, to explore the importance of diversity in the clinical laboratory workplace and how it can positively impact productivity, creativity, and innovation. Cherie shares her tips on promoting acceptance and understanding in the workplace and encourages laboratory professionals to embrace and celebrate diversity. 

Tune in as they discuss strategies for creating an inclusive environment in the laboratory that celebrates differences and fosters collaboration among team members. 

Special Guest Bio:
Director Hodge currently serves as the Director of Instructional Laboratory Operations for Mt San Jacinto College (MSJC) in Southwest Riverside County. Director Hodge has been with the MSJC district for 25+ years beginning her tenure with MSJC as a student worker in 1996. Director Hodge is currently in Progress at Grand Canyon University for a PhD in Psychology with an emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Leadership. Director Hodge also is currently overseeing several capital projects which include 2 new STEM buildings under construction at the San Jacinto and Menifee Valley campuses respectively. Director Hodge oversees a team of approximately 20 classified professionals and acts as a liaison between classified professionals, tenured faculty, and administration in many decision-making matters. Ms. Hodge embodies what MSJC is at the core. Ms. Hodge’s journey shows that representation matters as she continues to give back to the college and community from which she began.

Don't miss out on an opportunity to learn and connect with us!
Connect with Cherie Hodge on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheriehodge/

Connect with Stephanie Whitehead
Click on the link to connect with Stephanie for more on this and other leadership and personal development topics.

Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us!
Connect with us on LinkedIn: eLABorate Topics Group and give us your feedback!

Podcast Call to Action
We would love to feature YOU!!!
Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter!
1.     Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform
2.     Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode!
3.     Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!
4.     Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn
5.     Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Be a Guest on our show!
If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or sending us an e-mail at [email protected].

Networking is often touted as an essential aspect of professional success, but is it really about who you know? Maybe not. In fact, it may be more crucial to consider who knows you. While having a wide network of connections can open doors, true leadership success lies in building meaningful relationships with individuals who are aware of your capabilities and potential.

In this episode, co-host Tywauna Wilson encourages us to JUMP into Action to build a high-quality network.

Join meaningful groups and organizations
Utilizing your networking time effectively
Maintaining your relations
Proactively add value to others in your sphere of influence

Reflect and Act:
1. In what professional groups or organizations do you need to become more active?
2. Take inventory of your current network, Who is in it, what relationships do you need, and what's missing?
3. Think about people you know. Whose career or business can benefit from your personal introduction.

Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us! 

Podcast Call to Action
We would love to feature YOU!!!
Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter!
1.     Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform
2.     Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode!
3.     Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!
4.     Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn
5.     Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Be a Guest on our show!
If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or send us an e-mail us at [email protected].

A well-defined career ladder can provide employees with clear goals, opportunities for growth, and increased job satisfaction. In this episode, the co-hosts delve into the process of designing a career ladder framework for your laboratory. 

Tune in as they discuss the key components to consider, such as defining job roles, establishing competency levels, and outlining promotion criteria. 

Don't forget to grab a pen and notepad - listen in as they provide practical tips on involving employees in developing the career ladder framework to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.

Be a Supporter! 

1.      Join our community! Be sure to follow @eLABorateTopics on LinkedIn. 

2.      Listen on directimpactbroadcsting.com, Lab Vine or your favorite podcast platform

3.      Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet or notebook so you never miss an episode! 

4.      Be sure to leave a comment, and share with a fellow medical laboratory professionals!

Be a Guest!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us at [email protected] or Direct Impact Broadcasting on Social Media. 

Please tune in next week to hear another amazing episode of eLABorate Topics!

In this episode of the Elaborate Topics Podcast, Lona discuss how lab leaders can Level up their careers get seen, recognized and promoted. She discussed

 1.   Importance of Demonstrating Impact:

·      Lab leaders often feel unrecognized for their work.

·      Demonstrating impact can help advance careers and open doors to new opportunities

 
2.    ROI methodology provides a framework for quantifying and showcasing lab leaders value through their contributions in projects that align with organizational objectives, therefore demonstrating their impact on their teams and healthcare as a whole.

·      Lona Small's background in Healthcare MBA sparked interest in healthcare quality and process improvement

·      Realized the relevance of ROI methodology in demonstrating lab value beyond procurement and contracts

3.      Steps to Demonstrate ROI:

Step 1: Identify a project aligned with organizational objectives or career goals

Step 2: Understand project objectives and specific outcomes to be achieved

Step 3: Identify relevant metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs)

Step 4: Collect data related to metrics before and after the project

Step 5: Analyze data to assess changes and improvements resulting from the project

Step 6: Convert impact to financial terms to showcase tangible value

Step 7: Consider non-financial benefits (e.g., customer satisfaction, efficiency)

Step 8: Present findings through a concise and compelling report or presentation

Step 9: Discuss broader implications and alignment with organizational goals

Step 10: Seek feedback, address questions, and be open to learning and improvement

5. Quantifying Net Program Benefits:

Net program benefits include cost savings, revenue generation, improved outcomes, and avoided expenses.

•         Examples include reduced reagent expenses, increased test throughput revenue, decreased equipment maintenance costs, and avoidance of penalties.

Conclusion:

Demonstrating impact through ROI methodology is crucial for lab leaders' career advancement.

Start by prioritizing work aligned with objectives and use the 10-step process to showcase the value of projects.

If you need help demonstrating the ROI of your work and want to level up your career, reach out to me at [email protected]. We're starting a new group of leaders who want to stand out and elevate their careers.

Call to Action

You can reach Lona Small directly at [email protected] 
 You can also catch Lona on LinkedIn under Lona Gordon Small and follow hashtag #YouAreAnEqualPartOfTheWhole.

 We would love to feature YOU!!! Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode or anyone from this season: Video Review

 Be an eLABorate Supporter! 

1.       Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform

2.       Become a member of LabVine at labvinelearning.com and listen to eLABorate Topics podcast on VineStream

3.       Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode! 

4.       Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

5.       Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

6.       Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Be a Guest on our show!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or send us an e-mail us at [email protected].

Please tune in next week to hear another amazing episode of eLABorate Topics!

In this episode, co-host Stephanie Whitehead chats with medical lab scientist and founder of Fancy-Free Hair & Skin, Iyonna Woods, MS, MLS(ASCP)SBB, to discuss her journey from working in the laboratory to starting her own hair and skin care line. As a lab scientist, Iyonna was driven to help others with their skin and hair care needs and decided to take her skills and knowledge to the next level. With the help of her supportive family and network, she decided to go out on her own and start a business.

Tune in as Iyonna shares her thoughts on the importance of self-care, giving back, and staying focused on her goals. Iyonna also explores how her background in medical laboratory science informed her approach to creating natural hair and skincare products. Throughout the episode, Iyonna offers inspiring advice on how to stay motivated and take action on your dreams. She also encourages other laboratory professionals to use their unique skills to create their own visions and manifest success.

This conversation is full of motivating tips, and Iyonna’s journey will leave you feeling empowered to take the leap and pursue your passion!

Don't miss out on an opportunity to learn and connect with us!

Connect with Iyonna on social media:
Website: Fancy Free for Hair & Skin – The Fancy Factory (fancyfreehairandskin.com)
LinkedIn: @Iyonna Woods
Facebook: @Fancy Free Hair and Skin / The Fancy Factory
Instagram: @fancyfreehairandskin / @theFancyFactory_
Twitter: @fancyfreehair
TikTok: @thefancyfactory
 
Connect with Stephanie Whitehead
Click on the link to connect with Stephanie for more on this and other leadership and personal development topics.

Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us!
Connect with us on LinkedIn: eLABorate Topics Group and give us your feedback!

Podcast Call to Action
We would love to feature YOU!!!
Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter!
1.     Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform
2.     Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode!
3.     Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!
4.     Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn
5.     Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Be a Guest on our show!
If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or send us an e-mail us at [email protected].

On this episode of eLABorate Topics, Tywauna Wilson delves into the complex issue of office politics and how it affects laboratory teams. She discusses how different personalities, such as complainers, gossipers, and bullies, can affect lab morale and productivity. Tywauna offers tips for laboratory managers on how to handle these types of personalities and emphasizes the significance of cultivating a positive work environment that facilitates relationship-building and productivity.

Key topics: 

- How office politics can impact laboratory teams

- Identifying common types of personalities such as complainers, gossipers, bullies, and negative individuals

- Strategies for managing different personalities in the lab

- Best practices for managers navigating different personalities in the lab

Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us! 

Podcast Call to Action
We would love to feature YOU!!!
Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter!
1.     Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform
2.     Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode!
3.     Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!
4.     Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn
5.     Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Be a Guest on our show!
If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or send us an e-mail us at [email protected].

Are you looking for strategies to develop and enhance your team's cohesion? 

Tune in to the latest podcast episode and learn how to bring your team together and create a strong sense of unity. 

Key Topics discussed include:

• The importance of communication, providing feedback, promoting team building activities, and creating a shared sense of purpose. 
• How to recognize and address any conflicts that may arise within the team. 
• The importance of setting clear goals and expectations, as well as celebrating wins and successes together. 
• Practical tips and tricks to foster a positive and productive environment. 

With the right strategies in place, your team can become more unified and make significant strides towards achieving your goals. 

So don't miss out on this exciting podcast episode and start building a strong and cohesive team today!

Be a Supporter! 

1.      Join our community! Be sure to follow @eLABorateTopics on LinkedIn. 

2.      Listen on directimpactbroadcsting.com, Lab Vine or your favorite podcast platform

3.      Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet or notebook so you never miss an episode! 

4.      Be sure to leave a comment, and share with a fellow medical laboratory professionals!

Be a Guest!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us at [email protected] or Direct Impact Broadcasting on Social Media. 

Please tune in next week to hear another amazing episode of eLABorate Topics!

 In this episode of the Elaborate Topics Podcast, Lona Small interviews Unika Alexander, a medical lab scientist turned entrepreneur. Unika shares her journey from working in the lab to co-founding Proficient Lab, a SaaS platform coupled with consulting services for laboratory training, competency plans, and compliance management. 

Unika is the co-founder and CEO at The Proficient Lab, a training and competency management software. Her laboratory career has focused on operations and R&D in the IVF and reproductive tissue banking areas. She has a master’s degree in biomedical science, from Eastern Virginia Medical School. She is a Clinical Laboratory Scientist licensed by American Society of Clinical Pathology with 12 years of experience in reproductive medicine.

Unika’s passion for training and competency stemmed from the frustration she experienced in various labs where training was either non-existent or inadequate. Recognizing the crucial role of training and competency in maintaining a quality system and ensuring patient care, Unika embarked on a mission to bridge the gap in the industry.

There are a few points Unika brought out about her journey, and lessons we can get from them. Listen to the full episode to learn more.

·      The importance of having a robust training and competency program

By prioritizing training and competency, you create a culture of quality and patient safety, continuous improvement, enable employees to perform at their best, and position your organization for long-term success.

·      The importance of having a mentor who believed in her potential and pushed her to take on more challenging roles. 
Finding mentors or coaches who can guide and support you in your journey can be invaluable. They can provide valuable insights, help shape your vision, and offer encouragement along the way.

·      The importance of her being honest, open, and confident about her goals as an entrepreneur.
 Clearly defining your objectives and being confident in your abilities can help you navigate new paths with purpose and determination.

·      Making the most of her time: Transitioning into new paths often requires balancing various responsibilities. Unika mentions utilizing her subway commutes for strategic thinking. 
Finding pockets of time throughout the day and making the most of them for productive activities can help you move forward on your entrepreneurial endeavors.

·      Success is not a linear journey. It often involves overcoming roadblocks and facing challenges. 
Embrace the ups and downs, learn from failures, and stay focused on moving forward, one step at a time. Persistence, adaptability, and a growth mindset are key in navigating the entrepreneurial path.

Unika left 3 other tips for the audience:

1.     Prioritize training and competency. This not only helps with regulatory requirements, but saves money, saves time and saves lives.

2.     Believe in yourself. Never think that you don't have the power to speak up. 

3.     You belong!

Listen to the full episode for  great insights you can apply, to improve yourself and your lab’s training and competency goals.

You can connect with Unika on LinkedIn at   Unika Alexander, MSc, MLS (ASCP)

Contact The Proficient Lab at theproficientlab.com

Call to Action

You can reach Lona Small directly at [email protected] 
 You can also catch Lona on LinkedIn under Lona Gordon Small and follow hashtag #YouAreAnEqualPartOfTheWhole.

We would love to feature YOU!!! Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode or anyone from this season: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter! 

1.       Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform

2.       Become a member of LabVine at labvinelearning.com and listen to eLABorate Topics podcast on VineStream

3.       Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode! 

4.       Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

5.       Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

6.       Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review