“Change is the only constant in life” —Heraclitus of Ephesus In the world of healthcare, change is the only real constant. We don’t ask for it or volunteer to be impacted by it; it just happens. The key to weathering change as a leader is to have the knowledge and skills to manage throughout the

Are we there yet, when will we get there”? How many times did I say that from the back seat of our family car?  For some reason, I had the need to know when we would arrive so we could start having fun. My parent’s typical response was “we’ll be there soon”. Somehow this felt

So, you’ve created a goal that’s Specific, Measurable and Attainable… but is it realistic? Our fourth term stresses the importance of choosing goals that are realistic and really matter. Realistic goals (when met) drive the team, department, and organization forward. A goal that supports, or is in alignment with, other goals would be considered a

Of all the challenges (and complaints) we get in long term care settings, the quality of food (or lack of) seems to be at the top of the list. For many of our residents what they eat has less to do with getting the daily allotment of nutrients, and more to do with maintaining a

Lofty goals can be exciting to think about; but are they attainable? It’s hard to accomplish “world peace” if you don’t know the name of our next-door neighbors. Our third term stresses the importance of goals that are attainable. While an attainable goal may stretch a team to achieve it, the goal should not be

Have you ever heard the phrase “if you can’t measure it, don’t do it”? For many of us this seems unattainable, but the reality is that measuring attainment of goals is not a luxury, but a mission critical requirement. In a recent post we got started with “Empowering S.M.A.R.T. Goals – Getting Specific”. Checkout this

I hate vague work instruction, it is confusing and not at all conducive to getting the job done (and rallying the team). If you’ve ever had a leader that is vague with their goals and direction you’ll know exactly what I mean. It’s time we all got more Specific in setting goals and leading teams.

The past year was an interesting year for the field of aging services and specifically skilled care – challenging workforce dynamics, funding reductions, and increased regulatory scrutiny. I guess you could take the positive approach and say aside from those it was a pretty good year. Those with a less positive view could see 2018

As we’ve mentioned in previous blogs, we are actively looking to disrupt the status quo and develop the field of long-term care into the efficient, innovative agent of health service it was meant to be. We do this by setting for ourselves, and helping others set, well-constructed goals that work to improve weaknesses and capitalize on

‘Tis the season! The season for giving. The season for family. The season for peppermint mocha lattés. But for directors of nursing across the country, it’s also the season for stress. Between planning holiday parties and activities for your residents, juggling holiday staffing schedules—not to mention the constant stressors of regulatory changes, staffing issues, and