Back to school: Set objectives for the coming months

Dear Medical Staff Leader:

Students across the country have just begun a new school year. Although it's been many years since most of us experienced the trepidation and excitement of the first day of school, it's now an ideal time for you to pause a moment and "take stock" of the lessons learned during your tenure as a medical staff leader and establish goals you'd like to accomplish in the following months.

Now I know that some of you didn't establish objectives when you were elected a department chair, chief of staff, or appointed a committee chair. But pre-established objectives allow an individual to accomplish far more than generally thought possible. The process of establishing such objectives, writing them down, and reviewing them briefly with the medical executive committee allows for feedback, the development of commitment, and support. Furthermore, a written set of objectives permits "mid-course" evaluation to determine progress and the need for realignment or renewed effort.

A ship without a destination might have an exciting voyage across the seas, but a ship with a destination will be far more likely to move from point A to point B with the least difficulty, effort, and turmoil. The same could be said of medical staff leadership.

As you look back on your tenure as a medical staff leader, you must ask whether you've accomplished your objectives. If not, it's time to implement a plan to succeed.

That's all for this week.

All the best,

Hugh Greeley