The prevailing notion has been that we need to get “back to normal.” I believe we need to strive to create a better new normal based on what we’ve experienced and learned in 2020. Here are some thoughts:
1. We have known for a very long time how important and valuable our dedicated healthcare workers are to the success of our operations. With 2020 behind us, this statement has never been more true or evident. I’ve said it before and it bears repeating, an organization’s culture is critical to attracting, recruiting, and retaining these highly prized healthcare workers. Better people mean better outcomes. Creating an engaging, flexible culture of excellence starts at the top and must occupy the top spot in any organization’s mission, values, strategic plans, and goals.
2. Strategy leadership is vital for the future of healthcare. We’ve learned leaders must find more ways to be innovative and strategic in their efforts to expand and grow business, as well as maintain the viability of existing, successful ones. We know that running any kind of healthcare business is not going to get easier. This puts more pressure on leaders to be creative in their efforts to go beyond being good operators. Those leaders who do will be highly sought.
3. Executive search will be even more arduous in its quest to recruit top talent. Candidates’ resumes and experience will be carefully examined for a track record of consistently delivering on metrics. Healthcare organizations will enter into executive search agreements with even higher demand for leadership candidates who bring value.
4. Metrics will be important now more than ever. They must be realistic, fluid, and effective, and leaders will be held accountable for meeting them. Metrics need to be regularly evaluated to ensure they mimic the needs of the ever-changing healthcare marketplace. This may mean redefining what success looks like based on what’s measured and how it is measured. Bottom line, healthcare leaders who can successfully navigate this process and achieve the desired results will be highly valued and marketable.
5. There are a few things that have not changed as a result of the pandemic. A s organizations continue to search for results-oriented top talent, there are several leadership characteristics that will always be important and desirable. Leaders who are compassionate, genuine, collaborative, have a strong work ethic, and lead by example were successful in managing the pandemic and will continue to be highly successful and sought after, regardless of what the future holds.
About Us
Steve Weiner Search (SWS) is a premiere executive search firm specializing in the recruitment of executive and management leaders across the healthcare continuum on a national level. SWS has been providing top talent to hospitals and healthcare companies for over 20 years, helping them to execute and implement their strategic initiatives. We have the knowledge, background, and extensive network to find and motivate the best executive leadership. The firm’s values are instilled with a passion for excellence, integrity, and personalized service.