Five everyday lessons

A medical staff cultural diversity committee chair shares "five everyday lessons from Buddha" that he sent to all hospital managers and medical staff leaders at his organization. Your medical staff leaders may also benefit from these lessons. Take a look.

1. Don't strive for perfection: You will free yourself from undue pressure and improve your problem-solving skills when you accept flaws. I've found that medical staff leaders often strive for perfection—after all, most physicians are perfectionists. However, the medical staff will never be a "perfect" organization. Individual practitioner beliefs and concerns, and many external forces will constantly influence the medical staff organization. Remember, the most important task of today's medical staff leader is to constantly strive to resolve these issues, which requires patience and great problem-solving skills.
2. Expect change: Accepting change as a fundamental part of life will make the unknown less scary and stressful. Medical staff leaders undoubtedly recognize their world as one of constant change. As a medical staff leader, ensure your medical staff understands change is constant. Change can be understood and accepted, but never prevented.
3. Downplay materialism: Take a look at what you already have, and over time you can break free from the cycle of wanting. Medical staff leaders desire greater influence and control within the organization. They should realize that influence comes with time and progressive involvement.
4. Pay it forward: The joy you get from giving will spread to others and ultimately come back to you. You should encourage physicians to refrain from playing "old tapes" at meetings with their colleagues and management. No joy is derived from this practice.
5. Sit still: Sitting still teaches you to tune into your thoughts and feelings, which will help you handle stress. Medical staff leaders and physicians must put behind them the mentality of, "I've got to run now; I'll deal with my ulcer later."

Adopt these five lessons to improve your ability to lead your medical staff, and encourage other physician leaders to do the same. Applying these principles to your everyday activities will reduce your stress level and improve the overall medical staff organization.