Healthcare Managers need to work as change agents.
As a full time CEO for over 40 years I have gained valuable insights on change, along with actionable strategies to make it happen.
Work has always been a godsend. I’ve been inspired by the notion that work should be fun, furious, passionate and work with a significant purpose in mind. Particularly inspiring to me are other people who work in a similar fashion, holding nothing back in the way of reserves. Just look around you and you’ll find a number of people who work in that fashion. There are varieties of people from all walks of life who live and work for themselves and their community. And these people are the leaders who are usually the most successful ones.
Kudos to those special behavioral health managers who are the amazing change agents, innovators and dreamers driving our new health services system. By focusing on themes such as the changing nature of leadership and the importance of balancing work and life has allowed me to gain new insights into managing life. My experiences have allowed me to grasp the idea that personal ownership of one’s career is important in today’s management climate. The conclusion is that while social equality is important, it requires long term commitment in order to be successful.
You know one is easily led astray with offers of plush offices, laptops, cell phones, top money and profit sharing arrangements. But isn’t management all about articulating the serious questions that speak to the really meaningful values inherent within the organization? Should we be asking ourselves: What kind of teamwork is there within the organization you’re working for? How are teams formed, are they democratic with real accountability and responsibility? How available is education, training and what’s my role in the operations leadership chain of command? Who will my peers be within the organizational structure?
The business of behavioral health care is to be able to make enough money to cover basic expenses. When a health care business is not achieving this primary goal, all other goals are put in serious jeopardy of failing completely. Given an over availability of low cost sources of capital and internet oriented marketing opportunities the quest for success has still evaded many substance abuse treatment providers. But at some point those Facilities failing the challenge to become revolutionary workplaces will sooner or later find themselves seriously financially challenged.
It may be far better for many behavioral health management organizations to adopt more realistic, honest mission statements such as, “We must make a profit if we want this facility to survive.” Our experience has shown so far the best way to resolve tough problems is to move quickly through a series of tough decisions. In our operation every person benefits in some way through a concerted effort at achieving goals and objectives. The whole team benefits from each person’s expertise. Our Team’s combined knowledge base has dramatically increased the pace at which we can do business.
