Momentum

FOR MANAGERS

SEPTEMBER 2022

Improving your team 

dynamics 

“Team dynamics” may not be easy to define, but can simply be viewed as 

the ways in which colleagues interact. A positive, collaborative dynamic 

will get the best out of each team member regardless of their work style. 

To help steer the group dynamic in a positive direction:

• Communicate openly. Encourage team members to discuss issues and 

problems throughout the course of a project. If project status changes, 

inform staff as soon as possible.

• Clearly define roles and responsibilities. Teams that lack focus or 

direction can develop poor dynamics, as people struggle to understand 

their role in the group.

• Address problems rapidly. If you observe conflicts within the group, 

challenge them quickly. Have people speak up and share their concerns.

• Commit to shared goals. Creating and communicating clear goals is 

essential to fostering positive team dynamics.

• Encourage differences. Don’t fall back on group-think. Encourage 

differing ideas on how to get things done. Diversity spurs creativity.

Identity theft resolution

Identity theft can cause serious financial and legal problems for you. 

Through your program, you have access to Identity Theft Resolution 

services to save you time and money. You’re eligible for one free 

60-minute consultation with a Fraud Resolution SpecialistTM who will 

provide you with an ID Theft Emergency Response Kit and assist with 

actions like notifying credit reporting agencies and initiating fraud alerts.

Live Webinar—Join us Wednesday, 

September 28 for Creating an 

Environment Where Positive 

Relationships Thrive. Register here.

Contact your program

24/7/365

for confidential, no-cost help for 

you and your household members.

Employee Assistance Program

1-866-580-9046 (TTY 711)

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Mind Your Mental Health

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Understanding the issues around suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention. 

Helping others who may be in crisis can make a difference and save lives.

• Research shows that people having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring, nonjudgmental way. It’s important to ask, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”

• Reduce a suicidal person’s access to lethal items. While it’s not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan, and 

removing firearms or medications, will help.

• Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 via call or text and/or make a connection with a trusted person 

like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor or mental health professional.

• Keeping in touch with the at-risk person after a crisis or discharge from treatment can help reduce that person’s risk.

Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or call your program for confidential mental 

health resources.

Working on Wellbeing

How to manage chronic pain

• Chronic pain is discomfort that lasts three months 

or more. It’s important that your medical team 

diagnoses the pain’s cause(s). The best treatment 

plans use a variety of strategies including 

medications, lifestyle changes and therapies.

• Your doctor may prescribe medications such 

as corticosteroids, muscle relaxers, NSAIDs, 

acetaminophen, medical marijuana (depending 

on local laws), nerve blocks/stimulation, or antiinflammatory medication injections. Be sure to get 

regular exercise, adequate sleep and eat healthy 

foods. Join a support group for chronic pain.

Managing Work-Life Flow

Self-care strategies

Self-care is anything you do that helps you stay 

physically, mentally and emotionally well. Choose 

activities that will replenish your energy and restore your 

balance. 

Start small by adding a relaxation activity to your daily 

routine (e.g., meditation, muscle relaxation or deep 

breathing), journaling, a new relaxing hobby or 30 

minutes of exercise—such as walking. 

Add new self-care practices when ready. Be sure to eat 

healthy, regular meals, stay hydrated and get adequate 

sleep.

Money Matters

September 2022 financial webinars

Planning for College 101

September 13th. Register here: 9 am PT | 12 pm PT

With college costs continuing to rise, it’s imperative to 

plan for funding your college savings goals. Examine 

different types of college savings accounts and the 

financial aid process.

Student Loan Repayment Strategies

September 22th. Register here: 9 am PT | 12 pm PT

Learn about student loan repayment options. Review 

repayment options for federal and private loans, 

including how to reduce monthly payments or pay off 

loans faster.