How Google Can Help Nurse Managers

To do so, they analyzed performance reviews, feedback surveys, and anything else that provided data. Once they started digging into the reams of data, they came to a surprising conclusion. What employees valued were even-keeled managers who helped employees work through problems, rather than imposing solutions, who made time to talk with employees, and who took personal interest in their employee's lives and careers.

Although the worlds of Google and healthcare seem a long way apart, these findings make just as much sense in a hospital setting as in Google's high-tech world. Nursing is a stressful profession, filled with hierarchies and bureaucracy. Managers who care about employees' lives and careers and who are supportive are the managers who will work to remove needless obstacles and create positive workplace environments based on civility and respect.

Google realized that its best managers had employees who performed better and who stayed longer. Helping nurse managers value and spend time on these important topics should achieve the same results.