Management of the operating room

The OR manager has multilevel challenges. Individual workers will look to the leader for daily answers to process problems. Teams will need advice about how to stay on performance pathways and the organization will ask for input into refining its strategy for the future. Managers who are able to reflect the mission of the organization through good listening skills, empathy, and innovation will be ongoing examples for a learning organization. When we are “customer-focused” we care about our patients' outcomes, our surgeons' operating conditions, and each other. Quality and sustained ability to compete then follow. Because of our familiarity with diseases, medical and surgical management, and appreciation of teamwork, we can make a difference to our many customers.