Sometimes working on the cutting edge is just plain frustrating - I think because so much of the work involves concepts or process that are still in the experimental stages. Take these weblogs for instance... I discovered today that several entries that I had saved as drafts were published before I was ready to put them out to the world! Some glitch in the system. So now, I'm reflecting on one of my favorite expressions: "Its not what you do.. its what you do next."
First off, my apologies for recent entries that are incomplete or maybe even slightly off topic.... they were in the refining stage....
I'm also reminded of the Guidance Team retreat debrief at FHA this week. (Stacey beat me to an entry about the retreat... those Process Facilitators are SO efficient!). What we do next is so important.
Some of the staff at FHA are still feeling unclear about the next moves at FHA and even, perhaps the reasons for them. Dr's. McAllister and Lynch and Manager, Jim Brynes did an excellent job of explaining why health care delivery needs transformation at the retreat, but with any impactful subject, folks need to hear things more than once.
As a result of their feeling unclear, they are also feeling frustrated. Normal. William Bridges has described the chaotic stages of change and transition quite well. Frustration ranks right up there along with anger, impatience and confusion. On the bright side, we've got enthusiasm and creativity to look forward to as things get clearer.
Teams were formed at the retreat to address issues regarding clinic culture, efficiency, patient centeredness and planned care. As we begin working with these teams, Stacey and I will keep in mind the Waterline Model developed by Harrison, Short and Scherer. http://www.peacehealth.org/apps/p2/document/DocumentDisplay.asp?DocumentID=260 I've found this model invaluable in setting up well-functioning teams.. and as a good "trouble shooter" if things are going haywire.
In reference to the Waterline, we'll be helping to clarify the team's goals, individual roles, decision making authority, establish and support healthy communication patterns and conflict resolution skills, feedback skills and self-awareness skills. We'll also be establishing group agreements. All this process stuff can be frustrating for those who just want to ACCOMPLISH something... but I have found over and over again.. that clear and clean processes facilitate faster and more effective accomplishments.
