My 1st Year Anniversary at IEHP- What I've Learned.

This past week I celebrated my first year anniversary with the Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and I was also honored to be one of eight individuals chosen to receive this year’s Cal Broker Magazine “The Shine the Light Award” for those who were an example for others in our industry.

It truly is humbling to think how much we have accomplished over this past 12 months and all the people I have worked with to accomplish something incredible by helping IEHP launch its first ever commercial health plan in its 27-year history and become the 2nd only ever public entity health plan to join the Covered California exchange.

This monumental launch was fostered by the anticipation of the end of the public health emergency and the inception of California SB 260 legislation which helps Med-Cal?members who no longer qualify for their benefits transition to the Covered California exchange.? And for our Inland Empire members, help them Keep their IEHP.

As I reflect on this accomplishment and what I learned during this time, I thought I might share just a few thoughts for the next public health plan leader who decides to take on this gargantuan endeavor with the next health plan who desires to join the exchange.

Work Life Balance.? For me there is really no such thing as work life balance. ?Be passionate and present in both your personal and professional life; and when possible, merge them together to create a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Invest your Time, Talent, and Treasures. ?Believe in people, help them see and realize all they are capable of.? It is true, people do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care. Show them you care. Be the example.

Time Management. Prioritize and focus on your Big 3 Rocks and purposefully neglect almost everything else.

Manage your emails or they will manage you.? I learned and like the acronym R.A.F.T. – read, file, assign, or toss. Helps me to keep my inbox empty.

Impromptu Meetings.? Pick up the phone or drop on by someone's office for as much as people may not like the interruption, if you are pleasant and professional, I think they prefer it over another virtual meeting and all the emails that go along with it.

Engage in Positive Conflict.? If you want to achieve extraordinary results you need to foster trust and accountability with those you work with. Yes is not always the best answer. Challenge yourself and your team.

Trust and Verify.? I tend to trust people and take them at their word, but it is super important to document what you have agreed upon, schedule check ins and verify progress on agreed upon deliverables.?

Don’t Confuse Servant Leadership.? Be mindful of taking ownership of other people’s problems especially if you tend to be helpful by nature or feel that this is part of servant leadership.? Carrying other people and their baggage will wear you out mentally and physically and keep you from reaching your goal.

Have a Plan C.? A Plan B is good, but a Plan C is better.? Systems, processes, and people can change quickly requiring a well though out back up plan to avoid project failure and assure timely execution.

Bring joy and positivity to your workplace. Give thanks and express gratitude each day for the challenges you overcame, the things you learned, the people you have met, and the blessings you have received.

Keep the Fun, in the Fundamentals. Don’t take yourself too seriously.? I love to sing, use humor, and smile.? I love to high five, hug, and fist bump.? I love to enjoy time with the team after hours.? Have fun. Life is too short not to.

Take care of your health.? It is easy to neglect ourselves and others as we work extra hours but make sure listen to your body and to those that love you.? They both simply want what is best for you.

Keep the Faith.? God has got your back.? Be faithful and trust.? Listen to that still small voice. Miracles happen.