Hospitals, MedCity Influencers

Seven driving lessons for navigating the uncertainty of healthcare

Living in the Pacific Northwest, it is not unusual to find myself on a foggy, […]

Living in the Pacific Northwest, it is not unusual to find myself on a foggy, rainy road with little visibility ahead. Working as a healthcare leader is very similar to driving down an unclear path. A future that was once easy to predict is now riddled with unexpected obstacles like ever-changing technology, value-based purchasing and increased consolidation. While all of this change and related uncertainty can be the cause of increased stress, you might feel calmer knowing that you already have the skills to face the unknown, no matter what destination you’re driving toward.

 Check out the seven attributes you already know how to leverage amidst doubt:

 1)    Experience—I’ve been driving for a long time (since before I even had a license…don’t tell my mom) and I often draw from this experience when I find myself on an unfamiliar stretch of road. While some of the changes in healthcare are new, some of them look and feel like we’ve been here before.

Even if the situation is different, how can you draw on your experience of the past to help manage the future?

2)    Instinct—Like having a good sense of direction or driving a manual transmission, leading through the unknown relies just as much on instinct as it does on information. Using the breadth of your intellect can help you make more informed decisions.

What does your gut tell you about what lies ahead and how to approach it?

3)    Knowledge—The corollary to your gut is all of the information you’ve amassed in your mind. You are successful because you know a thing or two, so assess what you know and what you don’t know.

What are your strengths and your challenges relative to what lies ahead?

4)    Skills—Your training and ability to take meaningful action is likely what has put you in the driver’s seat in the first place. Capitalizing on your talents and those of your team can help you navigate difficult terrain.

Which of your current skills can you leverage and which skills need further development in order to ensure a safe arrival at your destination?

5)    Resources—Luckily, we are rarely driving alone. Even on a solo trip, we often have access to a map, a GPS or someone who can help us along the way. Knowing how to use resources inside and outside of your organization will help you fill gaps in knowledge, skills and experience.

What information, tools or people can you leverage in order to assist you in this journey?

6)    Validation—While you’re heading down an unknown road, it is common to check in along the way to ensure you are moving in the right direction. In unfamiliar territory, it is likely that you’ll stop more often and check in with your passengers to ensure you are on the correct path.

How can you intentionally check in with yourself and other stakeholders about your direction?

7)    Confidence—Nobody wants to ride in a car with a nervous or scared driver. Self-assurance derives from a combination of experience, skill and faith that you can overcome the obstacles in front of you and achieve the goals ahead of you.

What can you say and do to generate confidence within yourself and among your team?

As healthcare becomes increasingly complex, so does our ability to navigate the uncertainty that accompanies widespread industry transformation. It is hard enough to predict the next six months, let alone write a three-year strategic plan. But despite all of this change, it is possible to harness our previous experience, current skills and the wisdom of others to help increase our visibility of the road ahead.


Lisa Goren

Lisa Goren is a healthcare leadership speaker and consultant. She is passionate about helping healthcare leaders achieve excellence amidst industry transformation.

This post appears through the MedCity Influencers program. Anyone can publish their perspective on business and innovation in healthcare on MedCity News through MedCity Influencers. Click here to find out how.

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