Dave Wendland

Growth in the Face of Adversity

By Dave Wendland

Not dissimilar to other industries, organizations in the health care field are undergoing significant change. Some of it results from the uncertainty engulfing the current health care landscape, still other change is being forced by the state of the economy, competitive pressure, or mergers and acquisitions. Whatever the root causes, there is adversity. 

Economists and politicians can debate the difference between a recession and a depression, but given the record number of foreclosures, bankruptcies, and people who are destitute, it’s a moot point. It doesn’t appear that anyone is beyond reach of this downturn. It’s global, indiscriminate, and seems to have a viral component. 

But I contend that such adverse situations will bring out the best in all of us. 

Bad News Abounds 

You cannot pick up a newspaper or turn on a news report without yet another story about how the economy is adversely affecting a business, governmental agency, charity or local church. Yet, we also hear stories of success and perseverance.

Of course it won’t happen overnight, but there are steps you can take right now that will yield quick wins and get your organization on the right path. Some excellent strategies and insights were offered by Quint Studer in his paper, “Thrive In Tough Times: 11 Simple Steps You Can Take To Fortify Your Company For The Long Road Ahead.” (Read it at http://is.gd/5cuAl)  

Here is a summary of the eleven ideas that Studer offers: 

¬  Sit down with senior management and create a get-through-the-recession plan. 

¬  Get your whole company started on a “candy coat” diet. 

¬  Put words in your supervisors’ mouths. 

¬  Nix the negative self-talk. 

¬  Don’t permit fear to get a foothold. 

¬  Give low performers the old heave-ho. 

¬  Make your company a place that top performers want to be. 

¬  Put your best face forward. 

¬  Padlock the ivory tower. 

¬  Always manage up your organization. 

¬  Shine a 1,000-watt spotlight on customer service. 

As Studer suggests, “your leadership must be top-notch. If it isn’t, you may not be around five years from now. If it is, your chances of surviving —and yes, thriving — escalate dramatically.”  

Reinvention Begins Now 

Often the reinvention of a business model pushes people in one direction — but established rules and systems lag behind. People receive contradictory messages. They are told to:  

¬  Innovate — while avoiding costly mistakes. 

¬  Think long term — but improve productivity immediately. 

¬  Increase morale and also reduce costs. 

¬  Downsize, and improve teamwork. 

¬  Empower staffs, but ensure corporate rules are followed. 

Most organizations elect to play it safe. Hence, the status quo prevails. 

I must admit that changes in the economic climate have presented an unprecedented opportunity for me to shape my children’s perceptions of necessities versus luxuries and to demonstrate the complex interconnections between businesses and people across the globe. 

My son is particularly intrigued by the automobile industry (although I remind him often that healthcare would be a pretty good field to study, also). The circumstances surrounding the fate of automobile manufacturers, dealers and affected supply chain partners created fertile ground for a terrific life lesson about supply, demand, quality and management practices. I am confident that his understanding of economics is now strengthened through this real-life example.

Catalyst for Growth 

It should be realized that adversity may be a catalyst for new growth. Through adversity teams will develop perseverance. Through perseverance they will develop character. And through character comes hope. I would love to take credit for this thought, but it comes from a much more profound source — the Bible, Romans 5:3-4. 

How is your organization handling adversity? Is it embracing it and growing through it? Or is it shrinking and escaping into a safe corner? Have you renewed your commitment to explore new paths? Are you negative or hopeful? 

Embracing adversity as it comes into our businesses will help each of us learn, grow and prosper. Being a leader is tough these days. Deciding to cower beneath the surface and “wait it out” is not an option. It’s time to step up to face adversity and explore new paths of growth. 

I believe that succeeding in the face of adversity is what truly separates those who keep winning from everyone else. 

03/04/10