Healthcare Leadership
with Dan Nielsen dan@americashealthcareleaders.com
Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance
Ben McKibbens, the highly successful former CEO of Valley Baptist Health System in south Texas, earned and enjoyed a remarkable career. McKibbens served as CEO of that organization for 25 years. You read that right, 25 consecutive years!
In an interview for America’s Healthcare Leaders, I asked McKibbens to discuss advice and perspective that he would share with current and future hospital and healthcare leaders. McKibbens’ first point was as follows:
“James Baker, (President George H. W. Bush’s former Chief of Staff), wrote a book about his grandfather starting a law firm. Baker’s grandfather gave all those young lawyers five points to remember – they’re called the five ‘P’s: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.
“I’ve often thought, how applicable that advice is for any leader in any organization including a hospital or healthcare organization. I’ve also thought that if I were teaching again – a graduate program in healthcare administration – I would spend a whole day defining and discussing what each of those five critical words really mean in successfully leading and running a hospital or healthcare organization.”
McKibbens went on to say, “I’ve also added a 6th ‘P’ to those critical 5, that destroys and trumps every one of them, and that word is ‘Procrastination.’
“Here’s what happens: we wait till the last minute, and then there is a rush that minimizes our thoughtful, careful planning, and most importantly creates pressure and stress that can be very frustrating and even unhealthy. It suggests that we must address issues and prepare as far in advance as possible. You can always go back and adjust and revise, but to wait until the last minute; you never get it right.”
Outstanding advice and perspective from a seasoned, highly successful CEO, but also a gentleman in every sense of the word. I have never heard a knowledgeable colleague or peer say anything but good about Ben McKibbens! No one would ever go wrong carefully listening to and acting on the advice and perspectives of this highly esteemed and respected healthcare leader!
Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance!
And never forget, Procrastination destroys and trumps Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance!
Copyright © 2016 by Dan Nielsen – www.americashealthcareleaders.com
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