BLIP-ZIP SHELDR ADVICE

Empower, Innovate, Transform: Strategic Thinking in Health Services

“Strategic thinking is not just a skill; it’s a necessity for navigating the complexities of modern health and human services.” – Don Taylor

Introduction

If I were writing a primer and playbook (PS: I am) on practical tools and insights to enhance strategic thinking skills I would include “One-Minute Strategy Checklist. The checklist is a practical self-assessment tool designed to help health and human services professionals at all levels assess their strategic approach across six key dimensions. It aims to enhance strategic thinking skills, address social determinants of health, and foster resilient community health systems, making it an essential resource for UPSTREAM LEADERS. Here's a summary of the dimensions:

1.????? Coherence: Ensures all elements of the strategy fit together.

2.????? Efficiency: Assesses whether resources are used to their full potential.

3.????? Uniqueness: Evaluates if the strategy is distinct from others.

4.????? Robustness: Checks if the strategy can withstand changes or crises.

5.????? Flexibility: Determines how easily the strategy can be adapted.

6.????? Actionability: Measures the ability to execute the strategy effectively.

?

Problem-Solution

Health and human services professionals face a myriad of challenges, from resource constraints to complex social determinants of health. Up to 80% of health outcomes are influenced by non-clinical factors such as access to nutritious food, reliable transportation, quality housing, and financial stability.

Each dimension is evaluated with a simple “Yes,” “Maybe,” or “No” checkbox, making it easy to identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement such as addressing the social drivers of health (SDOH) or CMS’s health-related social needs (HRSN). Social drivers of health, or social determinants of health, refer to conditions in people's living, learning, working, and playing environments that impact health and quality-of-life outcomes. These factors are not destined, but can be overcome or changed. Up to 80% of health outcomes are influenced by non-clinical factors, such as access to nutritious food, reliable transportation, quality housing, and financial stability. Nearly half of Americans are unaware of these drivers. Thinking strategically about SDOH and HRSN is an imperative for America!

Importance of Strategic Thinking in Health and Human Services

Strategic thinking is crucial in health and human services for navigating challenges, optimizing resources, and driving sustainable health improvements. The U.S. Department of Health's "Strategic Plan FY 2022-2026" exemplifies this, fostering future leaders for resilient community health systems

Summary and Conclusion

Strategic thinking is crucial for health and human services professionals to address social determinants of health and develop future leaders. Tools like the "One-Minute Strategy Checklist" can help navigate complex challenges and drive sustainable improvements, making it an essential imperative for the future. Stay tuned.

Are you ready to revolutionize health and human services with strategic thinking?

Learn more at www.sheldr.com

~DrQD