Key questions to gain more clarity in your PCN Manager role

When working with PCN Managers, I’ve found that there are common questions we need to address early on that help to create clarity in their role.

These questions may appear obvious, but have you ever found yourself wondering;

· What is expected of me?

· Why aren’t people engaged?

· Why are we going around in circles?

If this is you, I can help you and your PCN, and it starts with going back to basics and using a confident, friendly and constructive approach.

I’ve broken these down into areas where you might be looking for progress or improvement so that you can tackle each segment according to where you currently are.

Building your understanding

1. Why are we doing this?

2. Is there supporting evidence or data to inform our decision making?

3. Would you like me to lead on this?

4. Where would you like me to start?

Engagement

5. Is there active agreement to progress? If not, or are you receiving lots of opposition? Listen to and act on this feedback.

6. Have you carefully considered and included stakeholders in your project/ service?

7. How often do you need to meet to maintain momentum?

Project Management

8. Have you calculated the resources required to deliver your network or project?

9. Who is going to deliver this project and what support and resources are required?

10. Who are the champions of this endeavour?

11. What are the risks?

12. What is the pathway or operating model?

13. Are we working to a delivery plan with clear timelines and roles and responsibilities?

Setting aside time to consider the answers to these questions is a valuable use of your time. Without this, I’m afraid you will find yourself going around in circles.

Final thought before answering these questions…

In trying to seek answers to these questions, remember to also consider the following to add context and support your success:

1. Who is the best person to ask in and outside of the network?

2. What can I read to help increase my understanding?

3. What lessons can I bring from previous roles?

4. What relationships do I need to enhance?

Found yourself nodding along to these questions?

Remember if you’ve found yourself getting stuck by these questions, that’s OK! The fact these have resonated with you shows you are already on the right track to delivering progression and results.

Tara has supported 18 PCNs to date providing PCN Management training, interim network management and facilitation to help PCNs articulate what that want, what they need and helped operationalise their vision. Are you interested in what working together could look like? Schedule a call so we can discuss the support you need.

If you liked this blog, check out;

Does you PCN have a plan?

The Role of the Clinical Lead

What are you Tolerating in your Primary Care Network?

How to Overcome Objections in your Primary Care Network

Don’t Let Passive Agreement Hamper your Progress

We also have a dedicated PCN Resources webpage, have written over 200 blogs and produced over 150 podcasts on our show, the Business of Healthcare, to support you in the leadership career.

Work with me and book a call today here.

Tara provides project and network management to Primary Care Networks and coaching support to clinical leads and has worked with 11 Training Hubs and 12 Primary Care Networks to date.

Tara has an MBA in Healthcare Leadership and Management, is published in the London Journal of Primary Care, is the author of over 190 blogs also hosts The Business of Healthcare Podcast.