Before introducing the keynote speaker Monday at AHRA 2016, Carestream’s Dan Monaghan asked the radiology administrators in attendance three questions:
- Do you need more hours in the day?
- Do you wish you had more time and more energy?
- Could you use less stress and more fun in your life?
With hands raised and heads nodding, there was agreement that medical imaging directors are feeling the pressure of increased demands from hospital administrators, reimbursement changes and cost controls.
Speaker and author Christine Cashen took to the stage and used a mix of humor and relatable storytelling to compel AHRA attendees to change their perspectives and join her in the “Campaign to Stop Global Whining.” Her message was simple: conflict is inevitable; different personalities require different approaches; only you can control your emotional state; and as a leader in your department, your positive energy will fuel your team’s success.
Dan Monaghan, Carestream Health, Introducing the AHRA Keynote Speaker
This shift in mindset can start with a few simple changes:
- Start the day without technology – The proliferation of technology in our personal and professional lives has powered certain aspects of our productivity but hindered others. Cashen encouraged administrators to take time each morning without technology – no scanning email before you get to the office; no firing off reactionary responses to the emails you received during the four hours you were asleep. Do not let your email control your day. Remember that email is someone else’s to do list for you – not your own. By disconnecting from technology and giving yourself time to prepare for the day, you allow yourself to create your own agenda and priorities before being influenced by external forces.
- Make a ‘good mood’ commitment– Stresses and conflicts, even simple annoyances will pop up and compound throughout your day. Controlling your mindset and making a conscious commitment to positivity can shift your mood and those around you. Cashen said she starts each day with the reminder that “Today is a good day for a good day.” Cashen encouraged radiology administrators to tune the voice in their head to respond with “It’s a good thing I’m in a good mood today” as frustrations present themselves. This deliberate choice can help control your reaction, keep you from getting bogged down and protect the fun and levity in your day.
- Ask yourself how you can respond differently to create a different outcome – Cashen started her keynote describing the styles of different people – the ‘who people’ who prefer social connections, the ‘why people’ who are always looking for a better way, the ‘what people’ who need the facts and need them quickly, and the ‘how people’ who perform best when the path forward has been clearly defined and followed. She encouraged administrators to think about the style of each person you are communicating with and really look at what you say. It does not matter what style you are, but what style the other person is. By speaking in another person’s language,you are more likely to motivate them and have a positive constructive conversation. Sometimes the best way to get what you want is to respond differently than your instinct.
- Just let it go– Cashen led the audience through an interactive exercise where she asked attendees to pair up and have one partner make a fist and the other try to open it. The activity demonstrated that many of us hold onto pride, ego , competition and control and refuse to bend. We will literally pry a person’s hand open to win. But by simply and politely asking for what we need, or even just giving in when it’s something of no consequence, you can accomplish goals and build relationships. Some fights are not worth the struggle.
- Be outstanding or get involved elsewhere – Lastly, Cashen encouraged administrators to not take up room in someone else’s dream job. If your days are filled with frustrations and pressures that make it difficult for you to give your hospital, staff and family your all – it’s time to stop complaining and move on. Seize your opportunity to be outstanding, set the example and build a team that’s proud of what they can accomplish together.
The keynote was just the right chord to strike at the opening of the annual meeting. You could feel the optimism throughout the day as all attendees became key members in the global campaign to stop whining. These lessons and tips are sure to have an impact in hospitals around the country as administrators lead by example and shift the tone of their departments.
Were you at the AHRA keynote? How do you plan on putting recommendations into practice? #AHRA2016
Erica Carnevale is a marketing manager at Carestream Health in the United States and Canada Region.
#AHRA2016
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