Biomedical subjects
J Ludden
Publications and source records attributed to J Ludden.
So, what's the problem?
Medical care presents complex problems to physician executives--thoughtful problem definition is a crucial management task. Without understanding the context, cultures, bottom line implications, and personal relevance, problem definition is incomplete and problem resolution may be inadequate or inappropriate. If our choices are complex, some of the difficulty may lie in our understanding of the problem. Until we have properly defined the problem, we can't act to resolve it. We need to step back, reframe the issue, ask if it feels right, and understand the whole story, not just the situation at hand. The tests of an organized story are coherence, direction, meaning, and implication. These should be perceptible both as individual attributes and as a whole. The purpose of such a story is not the resolution of the problem, but a coherent understanding of the direction to be taken. When the diagnostic work-up is complete, the next step can begin.
Leading beyond the bottom line: organizational assets for the new economy. 2.
Organizations are created to aggregate resources to accomplish some purpose, be it to provide health care, raise a family, or build cars. These resources are assets. A manager has a fiduciary responsibility, by practice, and, in many cases, by law, to make the best use of those assets. Traditionally, we've evaluated the use of assets through financial statements. The troublesome aspect of these financial statements is that they were designed to measure only those things that can be counted simply--financial and physical assets. But our world has moved from an industrial, manufacturing age to an information, service economy and we are learning that intangible assets are as powerful--potentially more powerful--in creating value as are tangible assets. Recognizing the intangible asset value of employees, customers, and the community is the challenge in this new service economy. Effective health care leaders need to leverage and manage all of an organization's assets.