At a time of profound volatility in the U.S. health system, change management is an essential skill for public and private leaders alike. For these leaders — and young people aspiring to careers as health care managers — one very practical question emerges: What are the critical skills for leading major change in our health system?
The Critical Skills for Leading Major Change in America’s Health System
The methods to win hearts and minds in the public and private sectors are the same.
October 03, 2017
Summary.
Effective change management requires the following from leaders: a commitment to transparency; involving stakeholders so they feel that their voices are heard; making listening a personal priority of the leader; going overboard in communicating; emphasizing that the sought-after change is achievable; and developing a motivating narrative. Two examples illustrate these points. The first concerned the challenge of creating the meaningful use program for the HITECH Act at the beginning of the Obama administration. The second involved the task of replacing the electronic health record system (EHR) at Harvard-affiliated Partners HealthCare, the largest health system in New England.
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Change may be the only constant in today's organizations. Here's how to lead through it.
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New!
HBR Learning
Change Management Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Change Management. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Change may be the only constant in today's organizations. Here's how to lead through it.