A morning routine is specific to each individual and can help them prepare for the day ahead. For a health system CEO, that might look like waking up at 4 a.m., hitting the gym, catching up on the latest healthcare industry news, and having a big cup of coffee.
Becker's connected with health system CEOs who provided some insight into how their morning routine helps them gear up for a successful day's work of leading a company.
Editor's note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What is your morning routine and how does it set you up for a successful day?
Chris Van Gorder, President and CEO, Scripps Health (San Diego)
Chris Van Gorder: My morning routine has been consistent for some 15 years. I usually rise between 4:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. and check my emails so I can respond to any communication that might have been sent to me overnight. It is my custom to answer all emails from my staff and physicians every day — usually in a short period of time. One of our values is ‘respect’ and I cannot be respectful if I'm not responsive.
Next, after I get a cup of coffee, I review the digital versions of local, state and national newspapers as well as industry publications to update myself on the issues and activities within the healthcare industry so I can share important and timely information with my executive team, physician leaders and the alumni of our various leadership academies.
The goal here is to help these internal leaders be informed, so they understand the drivers of the many decisions we make to operate our health system. Of course, I encourage questions and my staff knows I will respond with an answer the same day. It's not as burdensome as it might sound -- I'm just sharing the daily research I must do to perform my job and being available to interpret and teach.
Bob Riney, President and CEO, Henry Ford Health (Detroit)
Bob Riney: The first thing I think about in the morning is the smell and taste of a great cup of coffee; it's a must-have to get my day going. That's followed by a review of my calendar and asking myself if I'm prepared for the meetings I have ahead. If not, I get clarity on the objective of the meeting so it's an efficient use of time. Finally, my drive into the office is filled with listening to music that brings me joy and sets me up for a successful day.
Jason Barrett, CEO, Northwest Texas Healthcare System (Amarillo)
Jason Barrett: I am an early riser by nature, so I begin the day with a focus on a simple premise, "What can I achieve today?" This includes reviewing the calendar and addressing those decisions that can be made early so I can focus on initiatives that require more attention.
By eliminating those items that require a straightforward decision, it allows me the time to consider those opportunities that would otherwise be consumed by the tyranny of the now.
The postscript here is the touch base at the end of the day of reconciling whether I met my achievement goal for the day. Small focused daily wins contribute to achieving strategic imperatives.
Said differently, each raindrop contributes to the flood.
Esmaeil Porsa, MD, President and CEO, Harris Health System (Bellaire, Texas)
Dr. Esmaeil Porsa: I wake up to my alarm, and oftentimes before my alarm goes off, at 4:15 a.m. Monday through Friday and 5:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. I am usually at the gym by 4:45 a.m.,or 5:45 a.m. on the weekends. I follow a strict routine of 10 minutes of cardio followed by 50 minutes of strength training ending with 20 minutes of yoga. This allows me to be in my office no later than 6:30 a.m. I try not to have any meetings before 7:30 a.m.
The time between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m., my "golden hour," is by far my most productive time of the day. This is when I read over important emails saved from the previous day to allow time for reflection. This is also when I do most of my writings, intermingled with moments of meditation, and deep (strategic) thinking about the day and the weeks ahead.
I consider this routine a big reason for my success as a professional, but more importantly a big reason for maintaining and improving my physical, mental and emotional health.