Thought of the Month

FOCUSING ON HIGH LEVEL TALENT

APRIL 2010

There is no one who doesn’t realize the nation has been through an economic period that has caused the employment picture to have changed for most organizations. This time, the cutback in the workforce affected all industries at all levels as the financial pressures and uncertainty of an economic upturn forced them to let go some of their top talent.,

As the recovery has begun, albeit slowly, rebuilding the organization’s management capabilities is among the first priorities of most companies. Recognizing that there are a number of highly talented people available at the moment to meet such needs, we at William J. Christopher Associates have begun to focus more of our time and resources on marketing such talent directly to potential employers.

Marketing experienced executives has always been one of our services but usually limited to a few unique individuals we learn are seeking a change. The availability of more experienced executives across the industries and disciplines we serve suggests a greater focus on this approach will more quickly bring together their talents with organizations in need. It will shorten the process for both employers and candidates while such highly talented individuals are available.

We also welcome inquiries from potential candidates, but reserve the right to select the individuals for this particular effort.

To our clients, we will assure you that only those most highly qualified will be presented to you for possible consideration. While you may not be actively seeking such talent at the moment, you may find the capabilities and experience of the person are too impressive to pass up.

ARE YOUR MANAGERS READY, WILLING AND ABLE?

MARCH 2010

While Congress still argues over what health care legislation will be passed, industry leaders recognize that change is coming from insurers, employers and subscribers as they try to curtail the ever increasing cost of healthcare. Those in the industry recognize that much of that cost is due to the growth in the number of older patients who require more care and the increase in technology which promises new treatments to deal with many long standing health issues. There isn’t much that can be done to curtail those costs, short of denying care and stifling technological development, which the population would not accept.

The prime targets for controlling costs continue to be the providers of care. Much has been done to attack the traditional cost structure, especially in the institutional setting. Materials management and outsourcing are two areas where many organizations have shown cost improvements. However, once those easier avenues are pursued, it becomes harder to find savings. You need to create savings!

That is where the true test of management occurs –do they have the imagination, drive and ingenuity to change the way in which care is delivered to realize greater savings. Other industries have faced similar challenges and made it happen, or rather, management made it happen.

The question for the leadership of health care organizations is whether they have the management personnel who are “ready, willing and able” to create a more efficient and effective provider of care. That requires an assessment of their management group specific to such a task. Either they need to undertake that task themselves or seek help in accomplishing that task.

There are clearly organizations with long standing and historically effective management leaders who are ready for this challenge. Likewise, as proven by history, there are many who have “fought the good fight” and are just not up for another. Too often, they or the organization discovers that too late.

As the challenge comes down to health care providers to face these new demands, finding out too late how equipped your management staff is to deal with it is not an option you can afford