Lead Like Jagger

CEO Unplugged. Intersection of personal, professional and digital...        

Witnessing McEnroe defeat Borg at the 81’ Wimbledon and US Open finals emboldened me to abandon my family sport of soccer and play varsity tennis.?Prior to each match, headset on, I played “Start Me Up” as loud as my Walkman could scream. Still today, many years later, it remains on my TeamUSA race day playlist.

A lifelong Rolling Stones fan, I study them closely. One interview with lead singer Mick Jagger stands out. Responding to a reporter asking how it feels to be the reason of the bands multi-decade success, Mick immediately corrects him. “While many assume I and Keith (Richards) make the band, it is Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman. It’s about rhythm. The rhythm section. Our drummer and bassist. That is what makes us who we are.” I delved into this further and found similar quotes from other famous lead singers who suggested the same. The key to the band’s success are less visible members on the backend. While everyone knows the lead singer for U2 or Aerosmith or Nirvana, few know the bassist or drummers. Yet they make the band.

I created video below of bands highlighting the value of the drum and bass playing as one.

Digital Acceleration...

When I think of the role of technology and finance, I see it somewhat the same. Collaborating in the background.

Creating rhythm.

Enabling the clinician to provide care and best experiences.

In healthcare our ultimate lead is the clinician. It is about them serving their audience. They are the focal point. The front person. They touch the patient. The family. They are the why we perform. When in tune, the band creates the experience.

What makes experience great, is having a practiced and polished, digital capability behind them. Digital comprises the rhythm section. Technology and finance working together. As one. Many lesser-known bands are those without a complete band. Perhaps a great lead singer but no rhythm. The reverse is true as well, albeit rare. These bands don’t stand the test of time. ?They don't deliver standing ovation worthy performances. One hit wonder at best.

When bands are off beat the patient and family suffer. Often the challenge is infighting in the rhythm section. It is rarely lack of finances or technology prowess. It typically comes down to personality and pride. Perhaps the long tenured CFO has trust issues with anyone new. Perhaps the CDO/CIO is overreaching and under communicating. Both might struggle with a loss of perceived control. Whatever the reason, a dysfunctional rhythm section spells doom for the band, for the leader. The patient and family experience suffers.

If we can reframe our roles. Clinician as lead, serving the patient and family. ?The band to create the best sound for the lead to thrive. Digital at its best as technology and finance leaders collaborate in harmony. The bass. The drums. Tight. If we think as a band. One sound. Same song. Humility.

Digital is the rhythm not the lead.

Only a complete band with strong rhythm will guarantee patient

satisfaction