| | OCTOBER 20238UTLOOKHealthcare Tech In the world of healthcare leadership, two distinct pathways have emerged as prominent routes to leadership positions. On one hand, there are healthcare providers--physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses--who find themselves thrust into leadership roles without extensive training in management. On the other hand, there are individuals equipped with strong leadership and management skills but lacking direct healthcare experience. These two pathways, although not the only ones, have become prevalent in the field of healthcare leadership.Throughout history, the significance of leadership has driven the emergence of valuable concepts that find relevance for both groups. Those who have gone before in healthcare leadership have either been instructed or uncovered many of these concepts through their own experiences. Within the outlined concepts several have demonstrated exceptional value.Firstly, being value-added. It involves actively contributing to solutions and being willing to step out of one's comfort zone. While it is natural to feel uncomfortable in such situations, the key is to not only accept not knowing the answer but also actively seek out the information required. Taking advantage of opportunities as they arise, combined with hard work, sets the foundation for success in any endeavor.Making decisions is another critical aspect of healthcare leadership. Avoiding decision paralysis is essential, as inaction often leads to failure. Leaders are encouraged to strike a balance between intuition and information. The 70-70-70 rule, derived from high-stakes environments such as the military, suggests that when leaders possess 70 percent of the necessary information, resources, and confidence in the decision's viability, they should move forward.Having a methodology is instrumental in problem-solving. Several methodologies are available, such as Lean Six Sigma, Scrum, Kanban, and military decision-making and planning. Choosing the appropriate methodology depends on the situation at hand. It is important to recognize that no single methodology fits every circumstance, and adaptability is keyEffective communication plays a pivotal role in leadership positions. It is of utmost importance for leaders to establish and maintain strong lines of communication with their team members who are directly involved in the work. By engaging in open and regular communication with the team, leaders can tap into the expertise and insights of these individuals. Equally important is the need to communicate with senior leaders, keeping them informed about the team's progress and ensuring alignment with the broader organizational mission and vision. Effective communication with senior leaders is also crucial for advocating for necessary resources and support.When it comes to written communication, it is worth noting that senior leaders often only read the first one or two sentences of an email or correspondence. Traditionally, these initial sentences contain pleasantries, while the main point or the `bottom line' of the message is buried towards the end. To address this issue, adopting a Bottom-Line Up Front (BLUF) approach can greatly enhance communication effectiveness. By placing the main point or key message at the beginning of the correspondence, followed by supporting details, leaders can ensure that the essential information is immediately conveyed and understood.Based on experience, it has been observed that concise and respectful emails, as well as direct face-to-face conversations, yield the best results when communicating with senior leaders. Although it may require more effort than writing lengthy messages, the ability to convey information succinctly is a valuable skill for leaders. As Mark Twain aptly expressed, "I apologize for such a long letter - I didn't have time to write a short one." This highlights the importance NAVIGATING THE PATHWAYS OF HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP: CONCEPTS, COMMUNICATION, AND CREDIBILITYBy Corey Cronrath, Service Line Medical Director, Marshfield Clinic Health SystemIN MY OPINION
< Page 7 | Page 9 >