Proactive executives: prospering in tough times.

Abstract

Smart hospitals are not only surviving the current recession, some are even thriving. While economic slumps lead many executives to batten down the hatches and shift into a defensive management mode, experts say the real solution for hospitals lies in innovative, proactive management. In the economically battered Northeast, this strategy is working well for a pediatric hospital in Philadelphia and a large New York City medical center. But it's also working at a broad range of hospitals across the country. What do these very diverse institutions have in common? While each is moving forward to develop strategies and programs suited to its circumstances, all eschew the bunker mentality that comes to mind in tough times. In the words of one CEO, "You go out, decide what has to happen, and then make it happen--despite the fact that there are 8,000 reasons why it shouldn't happen."