10 Effective Pharmacy Management Tips

Your job as an independent community pharmacist requires many roles. Health care practitioner. Leader. Manager. It can be a challenge to take on so many different roles while managing an effective, profitable pharmacy business.

When you were in pharmacy school, you may have never considered that you would be a pharmacy manager. But all of the tenets of being a good manager—effective communication, organization, time management and problem solving skills—can affect your pharmacy’s success.

Here are 10 ways to become an even better pharmacy manager.

1. Create a structured work environment

As the manager of an independent pharmacy, it’s vital to create and maintain a structured work environment. Organizational skills are imperative to any successful business, your pharmacy included. Start by creating an agenda and maintaining a regular work schedule to keep everyone on task.

2. Determine employees’ strengths and weaknesses

Determine your employees’ strengths and weaknesses, and then establish their daily duties around their strengths. This will guarantee more structure for your business because everyone will have a specified role to fill. Your employees will also likely have higher job satisfaction.

3. Show your appreciation

Show that you appreciate your employees through rewards and recognition. Motivate them to do their best by recognizing employees who go above and beyond their regular duties. For example, establish an employee of the month or year award.

4. Promote teamwork

Encourage teamwork in your pharmacy by regularly organizing staff meetings that promote social cohesion and team building. When you show that you care for your employees, they’ll be more likely to help strengthen and build your pharmacy business.

5. Determine your goals

Set goals for your business. What do you want to accomplish professionally in the next five years? Would you like to open a second location? Do you want to offer new pharmacy services? Be sure to share your goals with your employees. When you communicate your pharmacy’s goals, your employees will be more likely to take ownership of the goals and help you achieve them.

6. Be a leader, not just a boss

Your duty as manager is to be a leader for your employees. You manage, motivate and help guide them. Although it’s imperative to maintain your authority, being a manager requires strong leadership, not just being a boss.

7. Communicate effectively

Proper communication is not only critical with your patients, but with your employees, as well. Miscommunication can lead to errors, office disputes or confusion. Being a pharmacy manager means taking the extra effort to communicate effectively.

8. Be a strong leader

Top qualities of strong leaders include being able to work effectively with others, possessing a positive attitude and being goal-oriented. For example, you might notice an introverted employee wanting to speak up at a team-building meeting, but being too shy. As a leader, it’s up to you to bring your employee into the conversation. Being a leader isn’t just about being respected or well liked, it’s about helping others.

9. Be a problem solver

As the owner or manager of an independent community pharmacy, you often have to deal with angry patients or disgruntled employees. Help your employees solve problems by being someone they can come to when conflict arises.

10. Know when to take a break

Managing a pharmacy is a challenging task that requires dedication and hard work. Many days your job may seem draining, and it’s imperative to know when to take a break and relieve some stress. Pharmacy management is demanding, and even you need a break once in awhile.

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