By Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP
Try to imagine a list of topics that you could introduce into almost any conversation that would be free of controversy. Top on that list would have to be the value of life, the wonder of the gift of life, the exhilaration of saving a life, or helping truly transform someone's life.
Read MoreBy Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP
STOP making excuses for yourself….
STOP believing "If I had been luckier or just had the money to pursue my ideas then I would be…"
START daydreaming!
Read MoreBy Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP
Dreams and aspirations come in many forms: from the drive to be the best at something, to lead a victorious team, to be a great parent, or to be that selfless, ever-reliable friend and humanitarian. Many people can check the box of some of these achievements, yet they may remain unfulfilled - reaching their goal did not transform them.
Read MoreBy Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP
Attaining most any goal or dream requires us to do something different, which goes against the natural human tendency to stay in our comfort zone. Transformation has to start with change, but we resist change until the pain of staying the same exceeds the pain of change…..yes PAIN is the catalyst and friend of transformation.
Understanding the difference between change and transformation is important.
Read MoreBy Dr. Michael J. Zappa
A mentor of mine is often quoted: "Hope is not a strategy!" Indeed, there is a world of difference between hoping things will improve and implementing a well thought out plan. However, nothing can ever change or improve unless we can imagine it as such. Once it is imagined, there must be some belief or "hope" that this vision can be realized. Now that's where strategy comes in, making the vision a reality.
As leaders, we must start by inspiring hope, not by asking for the action plan. When your team believes they can make a difference, they will. It is very obvious in healthcare: patients would never come to us without the hope that we can make them better. Hope is not just for our patients, it is for every member of our team.
Read MoreBy Dr. Michael J. Zappa
Long term success in life is rarely achieved by perpetual crisis management and the ability to work around the clock to meet a deadline…not that great leaders and successful individuals don’t have that ability and need to deploy it from time to time! One of the keys to sustained success is balance. Balance should not be viewed as a goal that is attained; rather a dynamic state in need of frequent adjustment…like a see-saw.
Read MoreBy Dr. Michael J. Zappa
Focusing on joy, especially in work, is guiding momentum. It has my attention as I study it, it is clear to me that the mindset and habits are exactly what great leaders have and do and what developing leaders should concentrate on.
It is very tempting for any leader, especially those in healthcare, to focus on what’s wrong, what needs to be fixed. It’s time to view the situation through a different lens…we need to focus on the meaning and purpose of our work. This is a distinct advantage for those of us in healthcare, our mission is making peoples lives better. Joy is not in things, it is in US. IHI describes pride in workmanship as a fundamental right; having the connection to meaning and purpose promotes such pride and is the basis of joy.
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