Response to Kamal organization and systems thinking 3.1
Hi Kamal, I too work for the Fraser Health Authority. I have also worked under the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. Our roles are quite similar as I too am in a coordinator role. While we have a little bit different backgrounds as you have your nursing and I do not. My experience has been similar. Recently we underwent a pilot project that was steered by our manager. None of the employees directly involved were sought for their feedback or ideas before the project got the green light. The project went forward at a fast pace.
As you can imagine while our clients were not that affected our employees were outraged. When we had a meeting with the employees that were most effective the message that was received was that they felt as if they were not listened to. One employee described her “voice was lost amidst the chaos created by upper management”. I feel that she accurately articulated the feelings of our employees.
Effective listening makes you a better strategic leader. I think it starts with strategic influence. Hughes et Al state it is vital to” get people on the same page regarding a long-term strategic direction. Engender buy-in from people for a strategic venture so that there will be true commitment to it not mere compliance” (2014. Hughes et al, p.148).
There is so much weight on listening to your employees. Often the ones who administer the care are the ones who are the most knowledgeable for change initiatives.
I wonder what we could both do from our current roles to influence small changes that would impact the greater good? Would you consider a reward and measurement system? How could we expand our scope of practice to include those who work on the frontlines of care? How do we make employees feel heard and valued in such a huge organization? Do you think if we got employees more involved in every department it would improve our standard of care?
References:
Hughes, R. L., Beatty, K. C., Dinwoodie, D. L., & Center for Creative Leadership. (2014). Becoming a strategic leader: Your role in your organization’s enduring success.