C.R.E.A.T.E. Change

It seems that all we have heard or read about in the last few months are the swift and never-ending changes occurring in our industry! Between new proposed regulations, updated survey processes, OIG’s never ending external review of our data, RAC/MAC/ZPIC/UPIC audits, staffing shortages and new performance measures affecting clinical and financial outcomes, it is enough for any leader to feel like running for cover!

It is time for us as leaders to review how we will lead our team in this new era of healthcare reform. The need to mobilize creative potential in our team is paramount to success. As leaders, consider the following:

• Appreciate our team member’s talents, differences and how those can foster change within our organization. Diversity is the new norm!
• Foster an environment of collaboration. Make decisions that are collaborative, not single- focused.
• Use organizational data (e.g., clinical, financial, regulatory, quality) to make informed decisions and determine performance improvement needs.
• Gain a full understanding of new consumers and healthcare workers, including new generations, new expectations and new communication methods.
• Stay informed and increase your knowledge on industry initiatives, new payment models, and compliance changes that will affect organizational outcomes.

As leaders it is time to stop directing your organization from the top down and move to a “centric” model that accomplishes the following:

• Change agent – Be a change agent and drive change through “collective” creativity within your organization and external partners.
• Refine and shape the culture of your organizations – Listen, show appreciation and create optimism.
• Embrace the challenge – Stay on top of what will affect your organization. Lead with creativity and innovation. Re-imagine and redesign how you do business!
• Acknowledge the essentials that should not change – Not everything has to change, build upon what is working well.
• Think BIG! Look to the “road” ahead.
• Energetic and Passionate – Your team is watching you. Be the fuel for change.

Engage and empower your team to redesign or re-imagine your organization for success in the new healthcare environment. It is time to C.R.E.A.T.E. change!

Lisa Thomson
Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer
Pathway Health

Taken form Lisa Thomson’s presentation, “Creating the Dream Team.”