Leadership and the feasible

Although I’m still only early on in Getting Health Reform Right, there’s food for thought in every section. The following quote is from their chapter on the politics of reform, and although the political context of health care reform (particularly in third world countries) is an animal unto itself, this quote got me thinking about what makes a successful first-world corporate leader.

Talented political leaders, like talented generals, can win battles and campaigns that would overwhelm those less able or less energetic. So, asking if a policy is feasible is, in part, asking a question about the advocates of reform, especially their creativity, commitment, and skills—and about their opponents. (Getting Health Reform Right, p. 6)

The execution cycle

I’ve cracked the next book in my quest to better understand the health care problems facing the U.S.: Getting Health Reform Right, by Roberts, Hsiao, Berman, and Reich. This is another long one, so a dedicate review is a ways off, but I came across an interesting framework in the opening chapters, one that, with some slight changes in emphasis, could have applicability beyond government policy to include corporate decision-making.

Review of Health Care Will Not Reform Itself, by George Halvorson

George Halvorson is the CEO of Kaiser Permanente, the largest not-for-profit health plan and care system in the U.S., and has been a leader in the industry for over 30 years. Health Care Will Not Reform Itself is his attempt to spell out what he thinks are the key problems and most promising solutions to the health care problems we face.

Review of The Innovator’s Prescription, by Clayton M. Christensen

So, at long last, I’ve finished The Innovator’s Prescription by Clayton Christensen. This was a bit of a slog, but worth it. In every section, Christensen delivers solid ideas and compelling frameworks to understand and address some of the main problems facing health care in the U.S. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking to dig in more deeply to this issue.

Words of wisdom – CIO roundtable, Oklahoma IT Symposium

I was lucky enough to attend the Oklahoma IT Symposium two weeks ago and hear a great CIO roundtable with leaders from a diverse set of organizations. I jotted down some things that struck me at the time and wanted to share them here.