The case for values as a basis for organizational culture.

At a time when almost every aspect of healthcare is rapidly and dramatically changing, it is important for healthcare leaders to maintain a moral compass--a clear sense of the morals or virtues that guide their decisions. A firmly rooted moral compass inspires, leads, guides, and provides a solid foundation--and some sense of security--for organizations navigating massive or significant transformational changes, such as those required by the Affordable Care Act. In addition, "smaller" changes, such as consolidation, rationalization, and relocation of services, have a strong chance of succeeding in organizations that operate within a moral framework from which the organization can shape its future strategies and make important decisions.

A look back at diversity through friendship and mentorship.

I was recently asked to be on a panel for Catalyst on the topic of Diversity and Mentorship. The true question the panelists were asked to address was, "How were you able to mentor a person of a different color, race, or ethnic origin." I immediately started thinking about my relationship with Ruth, an African American nurse, turned nurse executive, consultant, board member of Ancilla Healthcare System, and now President and CEO of Memorial Health System.