”Practices and PCNs find it hard to plan for the future when there is so much uncertainty about what is coming next.”

As ever, hugely insightful words from Ben Gowland writing about 'Managing Uncertainty' in his newsletter last week.
Make no mistake primary care is a VUCA world, and he points out a very real danger, “it is a real leadership challenge to be able to keep people moving forward at such a time and not allow the uncertainty to become paralysing and end up in no action being taken."
VUCA is an acronym for volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous and those in primary care will undoubtedly recognise this as a description of the world they're working in. It's a challenging environment, and it's no surprise many are struggling to move forward.
A major part of the challenge for leaders operating in a VUCA primary care is not knowing how to operate in this environment, and what to focus on. No one is giving that support, helping leaders develop the right skills and how to use them.
Overcoming the challenge is through building in four areas. It is something successful practices and primary care networks do as a matter of course. It is a way of leading and working that is the solution to VUCA:
Make sure you have a Vision.
Having a clear and shared vision really is that important. It's critical, powerful and not difficult to create. When all around you is burning, it is the object you focus on.
Build your Understanding, of the areas important to you.
It's ok not to understand everything, as long as you understand what will impact you and will allow you to progress. That might take some work and research, but it's easily done.
Simplify to get Clarity.
Only focus on the relationships, data, feedback and evidence that's relevant. Point your energy and resources there and gather what you need to make your decision making clearer and more confident.
Agility to adapt to different situations.
When you can't be certain what to expect then you need to be prepared for anything. Your systems and processes need to be flexible and adaptable. Your workforce needs to be multi-skilled and your decision making quick to react when, and to whatever is needed.
The VUCA world we're in is permanent but it is still within the capability of every practice and primary care network to move forward if they know how.
Comentarios