LEADERSHIP IN HEALTH CARE – ORCHESTRATING CHANGE

Abstract

Today health care is an orchestra. Patients arrive hours before surgery and leave hours afterward. They bring manila folders full of downloaded information and question lists. They maneuver themselves through complex systems; they are instrumental in coordinating their own needs and care.

The health care providers are the sections of the orchestra – surgery, x-ray, pre-op, clinics, cardiology and so on. Furthermore, the average age of the health care worker lands them at having trained directly at the height of the hierarchical system. Leadership is crucial. We have changed venue, and leadership needs to close the door and look forward. As a Health Care leader, how do I move forward at such a time of almost chaotic change? There is more information available with the click of a mouse than any one person could assimilate. These times require vision. Vision takes understanding. Understanding takes insight, and insight begins within. The journey forward starts with the journey within.

Leadership is a song. It starts in the soul and, with training and help and a strong team, it can be heard from Helsinki to Vancouver.