Leaders are responsible for a myriad of operational responsibilities and tasks on a daily basis. But to be a truly strategic leader, executives must adopt a different mindset and behaviors and flex different muscles.
The following articles published by Becker's Hospital Review touch on a variety of concepts and questions that can help guide strategic leaders as they drive their organizations to succeed.
1. Why executives must protect — and cherish — alone time
Meetings, phone calls and social interactions claim a significant share of an executive's day. While these interactions are essential to running a company, creative thinkers need regular periods of solitude free from conversation or distractions, according to the Harvard Business Review.
2. How the role of the CEO is becoming more humanized
Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Facebook, and Marissa Meyer, CEO of Yahoo, have openly and honestly disclosed personal information about their families, both tragic and happy news. The two CEOs serve as examples of increasing transparency among corporate executives, which creates a humanizing effect in the C-suite and across the organization.
3. Executives: Embrace your imperfections
Upon entering an executive role, it is not uncommon for new bosses to second guess their adequacy. Out of fear of being exposed as an imposter, many new leaders overcompensate for self-perceived shortcomings by attempting to uphold an illusion of infallibility. In this prison of perfectionism, most bosses (67 percent) struggle with micromanagement, a symptom of managerial perfectionism, according to the Harvard Business Review.
4. The health system C-suite gets bigger: Step into the 'value management office'
As hospitals and health systems implement more value-based payment models, such as bundled payments, many could benefit from a "value management office" that oversees the development of all capabilities and information for value-based initiatives, according to the Harvard Business Review.
5. Top 5 most innovative companies — and 4 attributes that set them apart
Many executives say four attributes are critical to successful implementation of innovative ideas, according to a survey by the Boston Consulting Group: (1) speed, (2) lean research and development processes, (3) use of technology and (4) systematic exploration of adjacent markets.
6. Why your hospital might need a patient advisory panel
Many hospitals around the country are asking patient panels what they want from their patient experience. While this may seem like an obvious strategy, it has appeared slowly over the past decade and less than half of the nation's hospitals use it, according to The Wall Street Journal.
7. 16 business leaders recommend books that changed their minds this year
Fortune recently asked 16 business leaders to recommend one book that changed their outlook on life or business this year. Here are their responses.
8. Changing healthcare landscape demands transformational leaders
Our nation's healthcare system continues to experience significant, and at times, dramatic change. Transformational leaders must demonstrate capabilities beyond general management skills and supervisor competencies.
9. 4 management truths from CEOs of companies old and new
CEOs from a variety of companies old and new gathered in San Francisco for Fortune's 13th Global Forum. By the end of the meeting, four key takeaways emerged that are relevant to healthcare leaders.
10. 5 rules for remote leaders
Good leaders usually share common traits whether they lead from up close or afar. They are agents of change within their organizations and they motivate and inspire others. However, those who lead remotely face a number of challenges that make their job a bit more difficult. Some of the most critical challenges are building trust, creating relationships and sense of team and providing the right support, according to Adriane Willig, a principal in Witt/ Kieffer's Healthcare practice.