It may be tougher than ever to be an effective leader these days. In this issue, we explore some of the challenges healthcare leaders face and provide some practical tips and reflections to help you re-energize your efforts.

Perspective
Leaders Bear Responsibility for Ethics, Credibility, Trust
By Carolyn Merriman, CHG President

I’ve been watching the explosion of laws, articles and leadership training initiatives focused on ethics, credibility and trust. This explosion isn’t due to a casual interest in this subject. I believe it’s because of the almost razor-sharp focus on profit, to the exclusion of all other values. I also believe that our value system today is out of balance, and that it’s up to Leadership to refocus all of us on what really matters. >> Read Full Article

Step Up—and Eliminate the Rank-and-File Mentality
By Kriss Barlow, CHG Senior Consultant

“I’m so tired of always hearing the VP talk about ‘her department’ at the Leadership Quarterly when the truth is it’s much less her than all of us who actually do all the work around here . . . ”

Maybe this isn’t an issue for your facility, but when walking the hospital halls or dining in the cafeteria, it’s hard to escape the buzz that exists about what’s “unfair,” or who’s making up rules. At times, it even includes some options for retaliation.  >> Read Full Article

In Recruiting, the Leader’s Role Makes All the Difference
By Allison McCarthy, CHG Managing Consultant

Understanding the essential components in the physician recruitment process is only part of the pathway toward success. For many years, we’ve been hearing from physician recruiters that they need Leadership both to understand the prescriptive nature of the recruitment process as well as provide both strategic and tactical support in order for the effort to be successful. An effective recruitment program has the backing and support of a strong and effective leader. >> Read Full Article

Are They Really Following Your Lead?
5 Things a Leader Can Do to Make Daily Operations Relevant
By Catherine Baumgardner, CHG Associate

As a leader, do you ever wonder, “Did they hear what I asked to be done?” Or have you thought that something was handled, and it wasn’t—yet, you thought you were clear in articulating your expectations? If you’re nodding your head in amusement, read on… >> Read Full Article

CHG Case Study
Administrator Uses Data to Lead Strategic Initiatives

With government regulations, competition in the marketplace and tightening budgets driving healthcare decisions today, gathering data—and putting it to work—is as important to starting or growing a program as any other factor. Leaders across the country are working hard to frame their decision making and develop consensus within the leadership team with both objective and subjective sources of information. The data often becomes the key determination for developing and carrying out a strategic direction. >> Read Full Article