For content related to the science and practice of medicine

Over the hill?

The leadership and management techniques that still dominate in the early 21st Century remind me of the mediocre and aging rock bands so common in local and regional venues: neither group has realized they are past their prime. Change is inevitable. Success is not. Mark Twain wrote that sacred cows make the best hamburger. We shouldn’t be adding spices to stale recipes or spoiled food. We should be designing a new menu.

 


 

The need for failure

At recent meetings, senior leadership and management have spoken eloquently and forcefully about the huge challenges we in health care face from the perfect storm combination of an ongoing national financial crisis, the health care reform act with its unknown and largely unknowable changes, and our local revenue shortfalls. They emphasize the need for innovations that are carefully considered, centrally controlled, and rapidly developed and deployed. The theme is: “Major change is inevitable, and mistakes are not an option. We have to get it right the first time.” 

Snowstorm epiphanies

Every year, as winter approaches, I look forward to big snowstorms. Not just because I love Nordic skiing - though I do. Not just because the individually tiny flakes and their accumulation into deceptively gentle drifts are such a useful reminder of the importance of soft power. Not just because of the quiet, or the magic of moonlight glistening on fresh powder, or even the knowledge that the piles of snow against the foundation will help insulate the basement and protect our pipes.