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Written by Heidi Arndt, RDH, Founder of Evolve Dental Advisors
I had the privilege of working at Mayo Clinic early in my career, which shaped my perspective on what an ideal healthcare organization should be. Mayo Clinic is globally recognized for its ability to align clinicians with management, creating a seamless integration of their efforts towards achieving the organization’s goals. Through shared vision, collaborative decision-making, transparent communication, and a commitment to continuous learning, Mayo Clinic has established a culture of excellence and patient-centered care. I want to explore some of Mayo Clinic’s strategies for aligning clinicians with management, providing insights for healthcare organizations seeking to foster a similar environment.
A Foundation of Shared Vision and Values:
At the core of Mayo Clinic’s success is a strong foundation of shared vision and values. Clinicians and management alike are guided by a commitment to patient-centeredness, teamwork, and excellence. This shared purpose creates a unified sense of mission, aligning the interests of all stakeholders towards delivering exceptional care. On the first day of employment, every Mayo employee is introduced to the Shared Vision, Values and the rich history Mayo has built on through this commitment.
Physician Leadership:
Mayo Clinic places a significant emphasis on physician leadership, recognizing the pivotal role clinicians play in shaping the organization’s direction. Physicians actively participate in management roles and decision-making processes, ensuring that clinical expertise is at the forefront of strategic initiatives. This integration of clinical leadership fosters alignment and allows for a holistic understanding of both clinical realities and organizational goals, and truly what makes Mayo the world leader in healthcare.
Collaborative Decision-Making:
A key aspect of Mayo Clinic’s approach is collaborative decision-making. By involving clinicians, administrators, and other stakeholders, decisions are made collectively with input from those directly involved in patient care. This inclusive model empowers clinicians, facilitates ownership, and allows management to make informed decisions that consider the diverse perspectives within the organization.
Transparent Communication:
Open and transparent communication is a fundamental element of Mayo Clinic’s culture. Regular communication channels, such as town hall meetings, newsletters, and online platforms, ensure that information, updates, and organizational goals are shared effectively. Transparent communication fosters trust, promotes a sense of inclusion, and helps clinicians understand the broader organizational context, aligning their efforts with management’s vision.
Clinician Engagement and Empowerment:
Mayo Clinic recognizes the importance of clinician engagement and empowerment. Clinicians are encouraged to actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, research, and educational activities. This involvement not only allows clinicians to contribute their expertise to organizational development but also aligns their professional goals with the broader objectives of the organization, fostering a sense of shared purpose.
Data-Driven Decision Making:
Mayo Clinic leverages data-driven decision-making processes to align clinicians and management. Clinicians have access to robust clinical data and performance metrics, enabling them to evaluate outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions. This data-driven approach ensures that clinical and management decisions are evidence-based, reinforcing alignment between the two.
Continuous Learning and Professional Development:
Mayo Clinic’s commitment to continuous learning and professional development further strengthens alignment between clinicians and management. As an employee of Mayo, we had easy access and were required to seek professional development opportunities throughout our employment. They had ample opportunities for clinicians to enhance their skills, engage in research, case reviews and participate in educational programs. This investment in professional growth not only contributes to individual clinician satisfaction but also promotes a culture of excellence, aligning clinician aspirations with organizational objectives.
Mayo Clinic’s success in aligning clinicians with management is a result of its commitment to shared vision, collaborative decision-making, transparent communication, clinician engagement, data-driven decision-making, and continuous learning. By fostering an environment that values the contributions of both clinicians and management, Mayo Clinic has created a unified culture focused on delivering exceptional patient-centered care. Healthcare organizations can draw inspiration from Mayo Clinic’s strategies to bridge the gap between clinicians and management, fostering a collaborative environment is something every dental group should integrate to ensure strong clinical outcomes and business success. How can you integrate the strategies of Mayo into your dental group?
About the author: Heidi’s extensive background as a clinician and former CEO, combined with her role as a trusted advisor, enables her to provide valuable guidance to high-growth emerging and mid-size dental groups. Her primary focus lies in unlocking the potential of individuals within these groups, ultimately strengthening the organizations as a whole. With the mantra, “Grow your people, grow your business,” Heidi is dedicated to propelling their growth and maximizing their impact within the dental industry.
