ABSTRACT
General practice is a lat management structure, often with a number of executive heads all on an equal footing. For partners in independent businesses, such as most general practices, delegating not only the responsibility for deciding on the action but delivering a particular part of the plan can cause difficulties. A number of common recommendations in relation to enhancing management awareness arise at the end of a practice consultancy visit. This chapter summarizes these recommendations. Management has an equally important and complementary role. Frequently in primary care the two roles are carried out by the same group – the partners and practice manager, or the primary care group (PCG) chair and chief executive. One of the most important areas in which effective decision making is needed is in planning. Whereas leaders set the direction of the organisation, the management role is to plan.
