The Power of Teamwork
As any reader of this site will note, I am very interested in the information technology aspects of healthcare. There is no question that governing powers see HIS/HIT as a solution to our difficulties with medical costs and quality. However, as important as these systems will be in helping provide long term solutions, I have seen clearly that the most important element in any system change or initiative is the people who are involved. For example, it is easy to see an EHR implementation as an IT project since so much of it is driven by software and hardware needs. The truth is that success will be difficult to realize without ensuring clinical, financial, and administrative involvement and oversight. Given the diversity of the people and departments involved, the organization leadership can therefore face complex challenges in steering the project through its ups and downs.
At our Providence Health Systems excellence seminar today we heard a presentation by Patrick Lencioni on the necessary qualities of great leadership. Mr. Lencioni, founder of the Table Group, is a phenomenal public speaker who has a message that resonates with people across the business spectrum. He didn’t say a word about technology solutions to common problems. Rather he discussed the often messy, but potentially rewarding world of dealing with people. It’s never easy, but the investment in learning leadership skills and taking the time to honestly deal with leaders and co-workers will return in spades.
If you’ve never heard Mr. Lencioni speak, I would recommend looking for the first opportunity. You won’t be disappointed.
