“Stupid risks are what make life worth living” – Homer Simpson
Truer words were never spoken. Leadership is about taking risks. In an organization, particularly a healthcare organization, risk is seen as something to predict, minimize or eradicate all together, not promote or least of all encourage. Management is the mitagation of risk. Therefore, leadership and management may appear to be in direct conflict with each other. When new ideas are tabled, ideas that are truly from outside the box, ideas that may go against the flow or the status quo or come from places where you might not expect ideas to come from, often times they are viewed by those in positions of influence as “stupid”.
Stupid risks are what truly lead to innovation in healthcare. Stupidity in a different context may mean creativity. Just because something, in this case an idea, is not understood by others does not imply that it is a stupid idea. If managers or others in position of influence refuse to listen to the ideas on the fringe and encourage “risky” proposals from throughout the organization then innovation will stall and creativity will flatline. Ideas can filter not just from the top but also from the bottom or laterally. And some of these ideas may be raw but through the act of listening and discussion ideas can be refined, improved and applied to make a true impact on the healthcare system. Staff should be encouraged and empowered to bring forward ideas that they feel will have a positive impact.
If you have an idea that you feel is truly unique do not be discouraged at first if your vision is not understood. It may be that your audience cannot see the same picture that you see and this lack of understanding can lead to indifference or ignorance. Persist. Recruit a person of influence who shares your views or who can help you conceptualize your idea in terms that will be understood by your audience. A good idea, like a good tool, can go a long way in the hands of the right person. The next time you have an unique idea for change in your organization take that “stupid risk” because it’s “what makes life worth living.”
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Musings of a Physiotherapist 