Today’s dynamic healthcare landscape relies on highly educated and motivated leaders with strong managerial expertise to oversee large healthcare operations and their success is determined by how well they clearly communicate with patients, staff, providers, business partners, insurance companies, and regulators.
Blair Smith, Ph.D., dean of informatics-management-technology at American Sentinel University, offers the following practical steps healthcare leaders can take to improve the quality of their communications.
Choose Words Carefully. Be clear, succinct, and avoid clichés, slogans and buzzwords.
Be Clear and Specific. Be precise as to what the message is, and explain what it means for the organization and the individuals who work there.
Never Trade Clarity for Inspiration. It’s not important for people to be charismatic nor choose words to display waves of emotion. Focus on the mission so that people will understand and take part in it.
Don’t Over-specify. Leave enough room when communicating ideas that people can react as necessary to changing conditions.
Note What Is Non-negotiable. Be sure people understand the importance of the core principles.
Use Stretch Specifications and Goals. This can improve innovation, helping people realize that business as usual is no longer going to work and they need new approaches.
