Time to Stretch, Grow, and Reach New Heights

 “Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, so we can stretch and grow and reach new heights.”

                                                                                                                                                                       — Pauline Kezer

As I write this, 2012 is just getting started, which gives me occasion to pause, reflect on the past year, and think about the challenges and changes that lie ahead.  And I will admit - I don’t really love change.

As an example, I have only owned three cars in my lifetime. Once I find a car that fits my budget and my needs, I drive it until it dies, or until my needs change. Thankfully, my needs have changed before my cars have died! I like continuity, and I don’t see great value in changing cars just for the sake of change, but am happy to trade when my needs change.

While most people have owned more than three cars by the time they reach their forties, I think a lot of us can agree that change is much easier to handle when we understand that our needs or circumstances have changed. It is also easier to handle change when we have a clear vision for where we are headed. 

Increasing costs, declining reimbursement rates, and a greater focus on quality outcomes are requiring hospitals to undergo major system change. There is an article in the January 2012 issue of HFM magazine titled “Leading Change in a New Era” that addresses the topic of change. The article urges health care finance leaders to drive organizational change by following a process that includes:

• Establishing a vision and gaining acceptance from staff about the shared goals
• Creating partnerships and promoting a team approach
• Defining clear measures of success
• Communicating, communicating, communicating

The process outlined can give a framework for guiding our organizations through the many transformational changes heading our way. Once we understand that our needs have changed, and we have a vision for where we are headed, we can embrace change.

Many of our organizations are firmly rooted in our mission to improving the health of the communities we serve. That firm foundation gives us the strong base we need to not only face, but embrace the challenges that lie ahead.  And while change isn’t always easy, it can allow us to stretch and grow and reach new heights. 

Here’s to reaching new heights in 2012!