In healthcare, there are some tools and processes that were created 20 years ago that are no longer working because they aren’t reflective of the current industry environment. While some widely embraced behaviors and processes need to stay hardwired, in many areas it’s time to rewire.
The question that people and organizations may want to ask is, “How well is what we are doing working?” If things are working well and desired results are being achieved, then leave them as they are. If results are not what they once were, or have never been what is needed, then it’s time to rewire. At times, organizations continue with actions that aren’t working because they have become a habit or they don’t know another way.
Here are some tips for rewiring actions in your organization:
- Always start by looking at current results.
- If the results are what you want, you may be fine. The only issue will be if something changes: for instance, there’s a new competitor, or new technology enters the market.
- If the results are not what is needed, ask whether this is a sudden decline or a pattern. What may have caused the change in results?
- If results are not what is needed, look at the experience level of the staff. Today, there are more new people in leadership positions than ever before. Many of these individuals are in the process of learning. It takes time.
- Be OK with saying, “At the time, this made sense. Today it is a different environment.” It does not mean what was done in the past was wrong. It does mean it is wrong to keep doing things that are not working. Rewire, move forward and keep making healthcare better and better as the world evolves around us.
In the new book “Rewiring Excellence: Hardwired to Rewired,” by Quint Studer and Dan Collard, you’ll find doable approaches for rewiring in an industry where sometimes even the most straightforward ideas are at risk of being overcomplicated. Download the eBook or order your print copy today at www.HealthcarePlusSG.com/Books.