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A Guide to Rounding: Build your ability toimprove engagement, enhance Ensemble’sculture and improve your problem solving skills!A Tool for LeadersROUNDINGROUNDING

Table ofClick directly on the section you'dlike to read, or tab through thebooklet page by page! To return to this Table of Contents,click on the in the corner of eachpage.CONTENTSWhat is Rounding?Benefits of RoundingMythbuster: You DO Have Time to RoundIncorporating Rounding Into Your DayHow to RoundRounding Tips & RemindersRounding ResourcesRounding Example

ROUNDING?ROUNDING?W h a t i s Rounding involves a leader taking time each day totouch base with their associates. This face to faceor virtual time, spent one on one or in small groups,builds personal connections and allows leaders toidentify what is going well (Big Wins!) and whatimprovements need to be made to keep ourassociates engaged and our department runningsmoothly. Quite simply, it is a way to efficientlygather the information you need to do your job anddo it well.

Boosts MoraleRounding with your team demonstrates that you care about yourassociates as people, and shows them that you are interested in day today operations. Remember, you likely have many members of your teamwho are not comfortable speaking up- this is your chance to connect withthem! All feedback is valuable. Getting to know your team on a personallevel pays off! Not only does it make future conversations easier, but whenassociates have a personal connection to their leader, they are more likelyto give it their all at work!Creates High-Functioning TeamsAssociates are energized and motivated to excel when shownappreciation for their contributions. Identifying and publiclyacknowledging associates that deserve recognition confirms to them thatyou value their work. This leads to higher rates of job satisfaction andincreased productivity. The value of recognition cannot beunderestimated. Builds Trust & RelationshipsWhen you maintain ongoing two-way communication with yourteam, everyone starts to function more effectively together. You'llcreate a well-oiled machine that only needs regular maintenance,rather than emergency interventions.Improves CommunicationEstablishing a regular means of communication between yourselfand your team serves as a platform for collecting information. Youhave the opportunity to enforce key strategic messages, explaindecision-making processes, and correct misinformation. You canalso provide in the moment feedback to develop your team.Associates can also share their ideas for improvement and expresstheir opinions.ROUNDINGROUNDINGBenefits ofTaking a proactive approach to rounding saves youtime and effort down the line. Don't be a reactiveleader.

Associate RetentionWhen you don't round with your team, retentiondrops. We are all struggling with personnelshortages, and rounding is one of the mostpowerful ways you can help associates feel thatthey have purpose and are making a difference-two of the biggest factors in associateengagement and retention.Sense of OrderWithout a leader to check-in with on a regularbasis, many associates feel that chaos is theorder of the day. According to a People Pulsestudy, departments where rounding is routinelypracticed achieve more meaningful levels ofengagement, better patient care outcomes, fewerworkplace injuries and improved attendance.ConsistencyRounding with your team allows you to enforceand validate key behaviors and processes,creating a consistent message across all areas.Without regular, in-person check ins, manymistakes and issues can be overlooked.Missed OpportunitiesYou may be overlooking real issues that yourassociates are facing by not rounding- perhapsthey didn't realize that they could come to you.The same goes for amazing ideas for changeand improvements. What are you missing?ROUNDROUNDMythbuster:You DO havetime toWhen you think of rounding as "onemore thing" to squeeze into your alreadyoverly busy role, you won't reap theextensive benefits!

ROUNDINGROUNDINGSchedule Rounding Be ConsistentWhen you block time in your schedule for rounding, you are settingyourself up for success! If you leave the time up to chance oravailability, it will never happen. You've finished rounding with your associates for the day. You wipeyour brow and sigh. "Whew! Glad that's over with." If this describesyou, it's not a good sign. Supervisors- severaltimes dailyManagers- dailyDirectors- weeklyThe amount of rounding youdo is dependent upon yourleadership level:When you've commited torounding with your team,they expect to see you.Don't let something "moreimportant than them" keepyou from that commitment.It’s a good rule of thumb toround upon arrival, before orafter lunch, as new shiftsbegin and before you leave.Allow time to visit off-sitelocations andevening/graveyard shifts.State your intent to round!Let your team know you'recoming, what you'redoing, and stick with it.This shows them that youfollow through.

ROUNDROUNDHow to Notebook & penQuestionsRecognition (Thank you notes, candy, etc.)If you're taking rounding seriously- you need to makesure that you're bringing everything you might need:To round effectively, it's important that you're prepared! Conversation vs. ChecklistRemember, one of the primary goals in rounding is toconnect with your staff and build relationships withyour associates. Don't make them feel as if they're anitem on your checklist to be marked off whencompleted. Take the time to have real conversations!Prepare QuestionsThink about tying your questions to the EnsembleSpeak Up Survey-get ahead of survey time!Have a weekly question, for example: "What do youenjoy doing most as part of your work? Why?"Reiterate in different ways your purpose by askingintentional questions each week.Although your interactions with your associatesshould never feel scripted, it's helpful to have somequestions prepared as guidelines, particularly if youare just starting to round. Suggestions for questions(and some clickable links):Utilize Your Tools

Rounding ExampleLearn better from observation? Take a look at an example of rounding:ExampleROUNDINGROUNDING

It's important to round with the rightmindset. Set yourself up to be successfulwith these tips and reminders. Tips & RemindersROUNDINGROUNDINGFollow Up!Purpose Be HumbleFind issuesFoster relationshipsImpart important informationRecognize associatesWhile the conversations and questionscan vary week to week, always keep yourpurpose in mind:Gathering feedback is incrediblyimportant- but if you don't act on thatfeedback, what is the point? Associateswill eventually start thinking nothinghappens and stop communicating. Ifsomething can be implemented rightaway, do it! If the issue is something thattakes some time, keep your team up todate on the process. Be sure torecognize the suggestions your teammembers make, and give them credit!Criticism and negative feedback willhappen. It's important that youremember to assume positive intent foranyone delivering that feedback, and notbe reactive. Take time to reflect on whatwas said, and make an effort to findways that you can improve.

ResourcesSusan MilliganMargot BarronErin HancockExperienceTeam@EnsembleHP.comROUNDINGROUNDINGQuestions?Let's make Rounding your jam!Speak Up Survey QuestionsWeekly Question IdeasIntentional QuestionsRounding Example VideoDan ConnorsEmail Us!Gerald Dunlap