Healthcare Leadership
with Dan Nielsen dan@americashealthcareleaders.com
Becker’s Hospital Review recently published an article titled, Michael Dowling: 10 Questions CEOs Should Ask Themselves Each Year. Michael Dowling, whom I have had the privilege of interviewing live in his offices in New York City, is one of America’s most successful and respected healthcare CEOs. He has rapidly expanded and successfully revolutionized Northwell Health, formerly North Shore-LIJ Health System, since becoming president and CEO in 2002. Northwell Health is highly successful by almost any standard or measurement.
Dowling writes, “Despite our busy schedules, it is imperative to carve out time for deliberate reflection—to assess the organization’s performance under our leadership, as well as our own attitude and behavior.” I could not agree more. I also think that all senior leaders should annually assess that part of the organization for which they are responsible. All senior leaders should ask, “What has been the performance, and what has been my attitude and behavior over the past year, regarding that part of the organization for which I am responsible?” In addition to the many benefits of all senior leaders asking this question annually, it is also excellent training and preparation for becoming a CEO!
The 10 questions Michael Dowling asks himself each year are:
- How would I rate the past year?
- Are we continuing to transform, or are we beginning to get a little complacent?
- Am I still highly passionate about the job?
- Is my management team still a team?
- Am I clear about goals and strategies for the short and long term?
- Am I connecting with frontline staff?
- Am I communicating well?
- Am I helping others around me grow?
- Am I keeping my ego in check?
- Am I ensuring the organization will be relevant to future generations?
This is a superb, powerful and penetrating list of crucial leadership questions. In my opinion, every leader—not just CEOs—should carefully, thoughtfully, and honestly address each of these questions at least once a year. More often may be even better.
Here is the link to the full article. I highly recommend that every CEO and every leader carefully read this article and then take appropriate action. Don’t just read the article. Take the advice and learn from the wisdom of one of America’s foremost healthcare leaders. Ask and honestly answer each and every one of these questions at least annually. Your honest answers will not only provide great value and self-assessment, but will provide a platform for achieving greater personal, professional, and organizational success in the future!
Copyright © 2016 by Dan Nielsen – www.americashealthcareleaders.com
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