6 steps to lead with love!
It’s no secret that America’s healthcare system is deeply fractured, structurally biased, flawed, and bifurcated– it’s working just as intended! America’s history, and yet to be seen true reckoning with racism and the resulting social disparities, impacts every aspect of our lives, including healthcare.
Access and equitable resources are among the biggest barriers to quality care; in a country where the quality of our lives is clearly divided between the haves (money/resources/power) vs have nots, the well-being of millions of people is at risk every day because they lack access to basic human needs such as food, shelter, water, and comprehensive healthcare. We are keenly aware that in America, minoritized and racialized people have more dis-ease and worse health outcomes when compared to white counterparts. We know that most of our training and assumptions in health are one dimensional; we see this from medicine and clinical trials to mental health diagnosis and interventions, substance misuse services, and our understanding of neurodivergence - they are mostly based on the study and experiences of one group of people, at the exclusion of most of the world.
Despite our awareness that there are challenges in our systems of care that further harm, some healthcare providers and systems continue to deny that these realities are systemic and profoundly damaging. It’s almost as though there is a herd of elephants running straight at us and we’re pretending not to witness, feel, or be aware of the stampede. Our refusal to acknowledge the truth and demand better in our society is harming us too and the irony is that we are harming millions of people, when we said that we would help heal them. Regardless of profession, those of us in the health and social care services space have a Code of Ethics that speaks to service and doing everything to mitigate harm, rather than cause it. We must do our part. We know better, it’s time that we do better.
How can you provide care in a system that has harmed many? How can you lead with love in an industry not designed, led by, or responsive to those it serves? How can you change when we are not required to educate about the complexity and diversity of human experience?
Tip #1 - Acknowledge that there IS harm in healthcare and healthcare education; go towards it, not away.
While this seems obvious, acknowledgement is the most difficult and avoided step. Go towards the discomfort, not away. A world of beautiful possibilities and opportunities is on the other side of your temporary discomfort.
Tip #2 - Listen and believe those impacted!
The people closest to a need are among the best people who can advise you about how to address it. We often dismiss the experiences of others, especially when they are so different from our own. My story doesn't have to be your story, and your story, doesn't have to be mine, for me to honor the human in you.
"One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say ." – Attributed to Bryant H. McGill
Tip #3 - Commit to growth and discomfort.
Allow growth through discomfort. Decide to be and do better, and ALWAYS celebrate the ups, downs, and in-betweens! Change is the only constant in life yet, we are most uncomfortable when faced with it. You/I/we are so much more than our discomfort and fear.
Tip #4 - Activate and engage everyone in the system to change the system.
One person can’t carry the mantle for this growth. Work collaboratively with providers, the community, and those impacted. Bring in experts to help guide you—objectivity is needed for growth. Commit to a return and learn model, rather than the current ‘one and done’ approach we take to trainings.
Tip #5 - Accountability is key
Having standards of practice, codes of ethics, trauma-informed care, and anti-discriminatory policies but not holding ourselves, systems, and teams accountable to these is an exercise in futility at best, and dangerously performative at worst.
Tip #6 - Evolve
Cultivate a culture of curiosity, humility, and growth. Your organizational culture must first support and care for the providers in the system so that they can best support the patients/clients using the system. This is a lifelong journey with no final destination other than our shared commitment to lead, serve, and care with love.
That's the tea!
It’s quick to say, and oh so challenging for many of us to do. Dr. Claire SPEAKS, LLC is here to support you on your journey!
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