Today’s complexity, ambiguity and rapid change bring with it the realization that in today’s knowledge-based organizations, and particularly healthcare organizations, it is difficult – or more accurately, impossible — for any one leadership group, on its own, to achieve organizational goals such as safe, high-quality performance, accompanied by financial sustainability, community service, and ethical behaviour. An all-wise governing body, an exceptionally competent chief executive and senior managers, and even staff composed of Nobel Prize-winning employees cannot, each on their own, achieve safe, high-quality care, let alone meet all of the goals.
An examination of the ingredients for safe care—the “first” obligation—elucidates the need for collaboration among working groups and supporting organizations. Furthermore, collaboration enriches the work lives of all the leaders, physicians and other caregivers, and staff associated with the organization. Collaboration emphasizes that everyone, no matter your position on the organizational chart, contributes to the goals of the enterprise. When someone asks you to get involved or to help, you feel needed, valued, and an integral part of a larger system. People who feel this way find their work meaningful, and as a result, they willingly contribute their time, talent and energy and are motivated to perform at high levels. At the least, these people become advocates or supporters of the initiative.
In this way, collaboration engages employees and encourages them to mind and or improve their behaviour. The good news for those of us yearning for the paradigm to shift to more collaboration across the health care continuum, help is on the way. We are already seeing a generational shift toward integrated thinking and system oriented problem solving increasing hope that a true collaboration is on the way.
CORPORATE HARMONY is grateful to Dr. Michael E. Frisina for his contributions to this entry.
Catherine is the President and CEO of CORPORATE HARMONY, providing virtual solutions for leadership development and organizational culture change. Her leadership and coaching experience as a Project Manager in an ever-changing, fast moving technological organization with unrelenting demands drove her to the realization that a positive mindset and strength-building behaviors are essential for today’s complex and chaotic organizational systems. CORPORATE HARMONY’s virtual platform of programs, coaching and performance measurement, is an innovative online technology of tested proprietary content. The world-class content of CORPORATE HARMONY’s Positive Presence Program develops the skill of ‘Positive Presence’ and the necessary ‘Positive Presence Behaviour Competencies’ for maintaining a positive and energized mindset and increased performance in today’s complex work environment, and leading to a culture of collaboration and connection. Catherine’s vision for Corporate Harmony is to bring the skill of “Positive Presence” to the corporate world as it becomes more complex, ambiguous and chaotic. Catherine is uniquely positioned to impact organizations’ productivity and long term success, with her powerful vision of eliminating bad stress from every workplace around the globe, bringing purpose into the people equation to promote healthy, productive and meaningful work cultures and turn the tide on the neglect of mental health on a global scale. Catherine is author of the book: “CORPORATE HARMONY – The Performance Link for Today’s Modern Organization” Catherine can be reached at: Catherine.Osborne@corporateharmony.ca or go to ‘contact us’ on our website www.corporateharmony.ca. Catherine is available for consultation, and can be reached by 519-695-3407.