Eight healthcare CEO insights: How to lead through immeasurable stress and change management

Published: 2021-10-18 10:12:05 ET NRC

In a recent NRC Health CEO interview series, we asked how top leaders adjusted and adapted-both personally and professionally-during COVID-19.

Learning more about the role of the CEO and how it has shifted, and what it's like leading a system of care during immeasurable stress and constant change, revealed overlapping areas of concern and unique challenges. Many CEOs spoke about care deferment, telehealth engagement, and vaccination opportunities, all of which are highlighted in our 2021 Mid-Year Healthcare Consumer Trends Report. Here are eight confessional trends among healthcare CEOs.

Advice to New Leaders in Healthcare

NRC Health closed every interview by asking each CEO the same question: Imagine today is someone's first day as a healthcare leader-knowing all you know now, what is one piece of advice you'd pass on to them?

There were many distinct answers, but the common thread was clear: listening is key. "The longer you listen, the better your decisions will be," said one CEO. Another cautioned, "You can't only listen forever," but suggested it was a great start. Transparency and trust were also common themes.

Other great mentions:

"You've got to understand your practice as a leader and how you authentically lead. This will make or break you." "You need to create an environment that will challenge the status quo." "Never forget whom you are serving and why." "Understand that what we do is love-it's one person trying to relieve the suffering of another person." "Resilience: do not let any of it get you. Wake up each day and figure out which way you are going." "No matter what you're doing, be transparent in doing it." "Once you lose your integrity, you're toast." "You aren't going to make everyone happy-don't be afraid of that."

CEOs expressed that being flexible while managing change was the most significant factor in riding the immeasurable stress and change-management wave created by the pandemic. However, no matter what their advice, the CEOs we spoke with voiced a spirit of hope, and each one felt that brighter days were ahead for healthcare and the patients they serve.

Disclaimer

NRC - National Research Corporation published this content on 18 October 2021 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 18 October 2021 14:11:02 UTC.