Finding Positivity and Driving Value Through Shared Purpose

With so much political and personal division in our country, we seem stuck.

All the negativity in the air isn’t helping. Negative reactions to circumstances, or to people in our lives, or to perspectives different than our own can create a ”glass half empty” effect that makes it hard to collectively move forward.

It may sound Pollyannaish, but I believe that cultivating positivity will help us become unstuck as a country, as a society, and at work.

The truth is, we need each other. Change in healthcare is only accelerating, especially as hospitals face workforce shortages and a market shift to outpatient care. Together, we are navigating unknowns, and only by leveraging our collective strengths can we continue to add value.

So how do we right our course?

In John C. Maxwell's The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, the author talks about the importance of leading with a servant's attitude. He describes governance as an act of service and a way of creating value. He encourages leaders ask, “How can I serve?” 

I challenge you to ask this of yourself.

Because to resolve conflict and move forward, somebody must take the higher ground.

I’m not saying you should compromise your values. Stay true to yourself. But to move forward in a way that uplifts and elevates us all, you must be open to understanding what others are trying to accomplish.

For example, instead of reactively saying “no,” when you encounter an opposing viewpoint or a roadblock, say “Help me understand your goal.” And then, “‘Let me figure out how I can come up with a solution.” Because when we just say “no,”’ we shut down the discourse. When we say ”no,” we position ourselves as someone is who is not open.

To modernize healthcare, we need to show up and figure out how to wholeheartedly say ”yes.”

Healthcare is one of the rare professions that touches us throughout our entire lives.

Chances are, you chose a career in healthcare because you want to help others. And regardless of the position you hold, you care about people and the quality of their care.

At AHIMA, we all want to help the end-user and improve the patient experience. We all have a commitment to data integrity. And we all want to live with intention and make a difference.

Our shared purpose — our “why” — is about improving health outcomes through quality data. It’s about advocating for a clear, complete, and accurate health record.

AHIMA is not immune to conflict or silos. But clarifying our ”why” helps us assume good intent from others. It makes us want to take the higher ground. Even when someone drops the ball, if we know that they have our best interests at heart, we can find a solution.

Our ”why” is bigger than any one of us. And if we can stay focused on it, the ”how” and the ”when” will work themselves out.

Wylecia Wiggs Harris is the chief executive officer of AHIMA.