Fostering a strong organizational culture is a competitive advantage and a key factor in driving employee engagement, patient satisfaction, and operational success. A thriving culture doesn’t happen by accident; it is cultivated through intentional leadership and active participation from all levels of staff. This blog explores two critical themes: (1) how consistent leadership expectations, guided by evidence-based practices, can create an environment where staff excel, and (2) the importance of gathering input from staff on the organization’s future, fostering a culture of inclusion and ownership.

Emotional intelligence (EI) has emerged as a vital skill for both personal and professional success. Understanding your own emotions and those of your team members can create a more cohesive, productive, and empathetic workplace. At its core, emotional intelligence is about awareness, control, and expression of emotions and handling interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. But how can you measure and improve your emotional intelligence? Thankfully, there are tools and assessments designed to help you better understand yourself and your team.

In this post, I will discuss some key assessments I have taken, which have provided invaluable insights into my emotional intelligence and the dynamics of team.

In healthcare, we often focus on clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction scores, and operational efficiency. But beneath these metrics lies something fundamental to every hospital’s success: its culture. A strong organizational culture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the very foundation that supports positive staff relationships and enhances the quality of care patients receive.

When a hospital or healthcare organization fosters a healthy, supportive culture, the effects ripple through every aspect of the organization, from staff morale to patient outcomes. In contrast, when culture is neglected, even the best clinical practices can falter under the weight of disconnection and discontent.

In our previous discussion about managing the "big rocks"—those major, resource-intensive initiatives critical to an organization’s success—we explored the importance of dedicating focus and resources to what truly drives value. However, as any leader knows, while current strategic initiatives are being executed, new ideas, opportunities, and potential projects constantly emerge. How can organizations balance the need to advance these "big rocks" while ensuring that promising new initiatives aren't neglected?

This is where the concept of a "wait/work" board becomes an invaluable tool. By creating a place to "park" future initiatives, organizations can focus on the present without losing sight of what lies ahead.