I want to give a big shout-out to all the DORs to remind you that you are not alone out there. Every DOR in every Ensign facility shares your struggles and wants to celebrate your successes. We do our best to be strong leaders for our teams, but we also need to remember to lean on each other when times are tough. 
What makes a strong leader? The dictionary defines a leader as one who inspires and guides others. He or she must possess certain qualities such as honesty, confidence, a good sense of humor, a positive attitude, good communication skills and intuition for reading people.
As a leader, you set the mood every day when you enter the office. Staff members feed off of the energy you exude; whether it is positive or negative is entirely up to you. Remember to take a moment before you walk through that door to put on your game face for the day. You get what you give.
You are probably the first one in the door in the morning and the last to leave at night. You try to lead by example, but not everyone realizes the time and effort it takes to stay on top of productivity, census, compliance audit updates, case mix, clinically appropriate RUGs, staffing challenges, continuing education and great outcomes in patient care. You are always on call. If you are truly honest, I bet you have worked on your computer while on vacation! (I know I am guilty.)
You work your hotlist daily and spend time analyzing reports to make sure everything is done on time. You hold your therapists accountable for their treatment minutes, paperwork, productivity and outcomes while never forgetting to provide each and every one of them with respect and encouragement, for a job well-done. One of the things I enjoy the most with my team is setting team goals together and then celebrating together as each goal is met. The importance of celebration can’t be overstated!
Remember, your therapy team is a group of highly educated professionals who can help you in your daily tasks if you delegate appropriately. Allow them to be creative in their treatment approaches, provide monthly continuing education, explore their career interests, and find new ways to assist them in advancing patient care to new levels in your facility. Ask their opinion on goals for the department in the coming year. Have them discuss the group strengths and areas for improvement. These educated people are a strong resource for all DORs when you are feeling stuck. Set your goals as a team, and your team will shine.
By Donna Black, DOR, The Courtyard Rehabilitation and Healthcare, Victoria, TX