Leaders Face Challenges Establishing Culture of Performance

Having clear strategies and consistent performance standards is key to a healthy and financially successful organization, but a disconcerting percentage of healthcare leaders feel their organizations fall down in both areas, according to a recent survey.

Healthcare leaders were asked to assess their organization's leadership and strategy by indicating to what extent they agree or disagree with 10 different statements. The areas addressed included goals, communication, accountability, and performance.

The survey, sponsored by GE Healthcare and carried out among members of the HealthLeaders Media Council, a group of top healthcare executives, showed that the vast majority of respondents (76%) believe their organization has a clear strategic vision. An even larger majority, 84%, believe their organization has engaged its employees in the execution of that vision. However, less than half of respondents think their organization operates as a meritocracy, with top performers getting recognition and rewards, and a mere 39% believe that their organization deals decisively with nonperforming employees.