Today, I had the privledge of sitting with the Pursuing Perfection Project staff in Whatcom County and hearing their thoughts, dreams and frustrations - the human experience of being in the inside of innovation. I heard many messages:
- a desire to innovate, push themselves and the project outside the boundaries of what the community had agreed to do because of their passion for patients, and people trapped in a system that doesn't work anymore and creates distress among the healthcare workforce.
- I also heard a desire to share as a team some of the ideas that have risen to the surface as we explore what we might do- the possibilities if we chose to focus our collective energy, resources toward new ideas that enlarge and move toward the vision of patient-centered care.
- And then there was a questioning and yearning for influence- having immediate influence that moves those sites who struggle with the gap between vision and what might be and today- and what they have capacity to add to their already busy day....
- and then the desire to have influence for patients by creating tools that make a difference from their perspective....
It seemed clear that there also was an interest in influence beyond one's individual role and the deliverables of a grant. We are individuals who come together for a common purpose; we do not necessarily play with innovation, ideas and influence with the same perceptions and experience.
So what is the right balance between innovation, ideas and influence within the context of what we agreed to deliver...and how do we as a team and individuals maintain a balance that nutures the project and the people? I'm not sure there are easy answers...but I have some ideas.....
- Look for ways to make a difference today and in the moment by doing what you can within the context of your role. Assume permission to innovate, engage patient, team members to create the best that resources and time will allow.
- Share your ideas about the future state and ways to get there freely and write them down so others can see them and think about ways some kernal of the idea can be integrated as opportunities may present themselves.
- Understand that control over others or the direction- something as big as tranformation in healthcare - cannot be controlled by one idea or one individual. Influence through interaction and sharing ideas is the best to influence in this complex adaptive system.
I wonder what other ideas to create positive influence others may have as we continue the journey of change?
