Assigning tasks effectively using a model.

The clinical laboratory is a fast-paced environment where accuracy and efficiency are crucial. A major responsibility of the clinical manager is to assign tasks clearly to ensure that a quality job is done right the first time. Have you ever heard a manager say "This isn't what I asked for?" When this happens, it is usually the fault of the manager. Managers often make incorrect assumptions and do not take 100% of the responsibility for ensuring that assigned tasks are understood. To assign tasks effectively, managers must state exactly what they want, how they want it done, and when they want it. And, in addition to stating the desired end results, managers must verify that the directions were correctly understood; this is done by asking for feedback through questioning and paraphrasing. The five-step model described in this article will help you to assign tasks that get the job done right the first time.