Regent’s Letter – March 2018

Mar 18, 2018 | Regent's Letter

Regent’s Letter – March 2018

by | Mar 18, 2018 | Regent's Letter

“Integrity is the essence of everything successful.”

-R. Buckminster Fuller

I am honored to offer this message written to complement this issue of the newsletter of our local ACHE chapter, the California Association of Healthcare Leaders (CAHL). But first, welcome to all our new members, and congratulations to those who have recently advanced to Fellow.

Healthcare leaders and those aspiring to be leaders must recognize first and foremost that character and integrity constitute the very cornerstone of leadership. Organizations have failed and promising careers have been derailed when ethics have been relegated to secondary importance or, worse yet, ignored in the pursuit of more bottom-line considerations. Healthcare managers must understand their role and responsibility in creating an ethical healthcare environment that is honest, just, and always in the best interests of those being served. Whether you are the CEO, an assistant administrator, a department head, a program manager, or a clinician, if you are “in charge,” you have the ultimate responsibility for establishing the culture and setting the standards of conduct in your sphere of influence. This task is not always an easy one − nor is it easy for well-intentioned managers to always make ethical decisions themselves.

Integrity is key to career management effectiveness. In this context, integrity refers to adhering to a code of values. Be honest with yourself and with others. Start with being honest with yourself by conducting a self-assessment. Understand what you value.

To learn more about Integrity and Leadership Assessment tools available at ACHE’s Career Resource Center visit:

https://www.ache.org/CareerServices/

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Regent and allowing me to comment on the importance of lifelong learning in this message to you. I look forward to seeing you at the next CAHL event. Please refer to the CAHL website for upcoming events!

Regards,
Erick Berry, FACHE
Regent for California – Northern & Central