Health care attracts elite performers and depends enormously on teamwork. This makes it a good place to watch the organizational grit drive performance excellence. The two critical components of grit are passion and perseverance in the pursuit of the goal. Passion derives from a sense of purpose and the conviction that someone’s work is meaningful and helps others. Perseverance takes the form of resilience and unwavering devotion to improvement.
Health care has long depended on the passion and perseverance of doctors and nurses. Nowadays though and with the advances of technology in medicine, providing superior care has become complex and no lone caregiver, no matter how gritty, can do it all.
Organizations active in the health care industry must develop grit on all levels and ensure that everyone is committed to pursuing a high-level goal. A common and successful objective is putting patient first.
In its mission statement Mayo Clinic refers to putting patients’ well-being first. In order to develop grit on all levels, Mayo observe the doctors for a few days, and evaluate their skills and values prior to hiring them. The newly-hired undergo then a three to four years evaluation period. If they demonstrate talent, grit and goal alignment are then considered for permanent employment.
To sustain a gritty culture requires clear communication of values by leadership, programs that celebrate successes and a mindset that embraces improvement and learning from unfortunate developments. A detailed feedback on performance, training and courses, and financial support help team individuals reach the desired target.
Insights taken also form Harvard Business Review, Issue Sept-Oct 2018
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