What skills do strategists need to be successful in today’s rapidly changing healthcare landscape? What behavioral attributes are critical to career advancement? To answer these questions and more, SHSMD invited a strategist turned CEO to share his insights.“It’s no secret that effective leaders are often good communicators—able to motivate, encourage, and inspire others,” says David Brooks, president of St. Joseph Ann Arbor and Livingston Hospitals. “But that’s not all. Great leaders are also adept at listening, learning, analyzing, adapting, pivoting, problem-solving, teaching, and training.”With over 30 years of experience in healthcare administration, the longtime SHSMD member and a past board member offers these tips for strategy professionals looking to advance in their careers:
- Imagine what is possible.
Chief executive officers and other members of the C-suite live in a whirlwind of daily demands and tend to be more ‘in the moment’ and focused on clinical and operations priorities,” Brooks says. “We look to strategy professionals within our organizations to help us create and maintain a culture of ‘possibility thinking,’ which looks at how-to solutions. Anticipate barriers, ask proactive questions, and propose strategies to overcome challenges and move an organization to action.”
- Help us see the big picture.
We have plenty of roles and leaders who focus on internal issues,” he says. “Help us focus on external opportunities, understanding the best practices happening in our field related to the challenges and choices we face. Share how those outside our field are addressing similar situations. And help us discern how we can use this knowledge strategically to better meet the needs of consumers.”
- Continue learning and evolving.
“To continue advancing in your career, always extend yourself,” Brooks says. “Be aggressive and assertive toward learning, but with a focus on servant leadership. Ask yourself: How can I help? And, how do I add value? And always keep an eye on your organization’s mission and commitment to the community.”
Are you an asset?
In a recent issue of Spectrum, Brooks offers additional insights about the future role of strategists.
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