The most dangerous phrase

The most dangerous phrase

The most dangerous phrase in the language is, “We’ve always done it this way.”           (Rear Admiral Grace Hopper)

Much as I saw in my previous work in the travel industry, I see the field of healthcare and my role within it evolving with the development of new technology.

Not all are embracing the inevitable changes. Many are being dragged kicking and screaming into the era of Meaningful Use adoption. Having worked in physician practices who had recently adopted electronic health records I saw a reluctance on staff to this technology. Usually when I questioned why things were done a certain way the response was “that’s the way we do it”. Never mind that this piece of technology could shave steps off their workflow.  They continued to operate in an hybrid world with a paper-based workflow. And I as the harbinger of progress was not a welcome addition. And any suggestions to the contrary were met with suspicion and resistance.

I remember starting work at Northrop as a computer programmer back in the mid 80’s. Even in aerospace industry, which inherently embraced technology and innovation, management showed reluctance to moving from FORTRAN 77 to C. Moving from cards to keyboards was change enough for them, thank you!

And if I was ever resistant to change, my 20+ years in the travel industry quashed all reluctance. After deregulation of the airlines, all heck broke loose. The whole compensation structure changed from vendor-driven (commissions) to customer-driven (service fees). Agencies unable or unwilling to adapt fell by the wayside or were gobbled up by the ever-growing conglomerates. Our agency became one of the few agencies to truly evolve, due to forward-thinking agency management and the willingness of staff and management alike to adapt.

So what do I think of change?

Change can either challenge or threaten us…Your beliefs pave your way to success or block you.   (Marsha Sinetar).  

Be open to the challenge!