A Shared Humanity and Mission in Times of Division

Over the last several years, we’ve seen increasing rancor and division in our country. As those divisions have intensified, we’ve also seen violence spill into our streets – violence which we unconditionally condemn. Condemning violence is easy, but how does Intermountain fit into this social and cultural divide and what should we ask of ourselves?

We hold a unique position in our communities – one of healers. And while I believe I work with the most talented colleagues in all of healthcare, our collective ability to heal social and cultural divides has limits. And for many of us, that comes with a sense of feeling powerless.

Here’s what we can do. We can set the example for others to follow. We don’t have to choose to join the fray, but instead choose to lead with our actions by focusing on what we do best. We have the privilege of sharing a common mission-driven approach to care for people who need our help. We’ve embraced our diversity of thought and experience by channeling them in the name of service to our neighbors and communities. Every day we focus on our common mission, we demonstrate that our differences don’t have to lead to division; but instead they can lift our organization and our community higher. 

We do this by allowing our colleagues to bring their whole selves to work. Through mutual respect. By first seeking to understand one another. Always assuming good intent. None of this political; in fact, it’s just the opposite. It’s about empowering all of us to better care for the people we are all here to serve.

With frustrations and tempers flaring in an array of traditional and social media channels, the temptation to succumb to the tone of division may feel overwhelming. In those moments, I ask that we all reflect and remind ourselves of our shared humanity and mission that binds us at Intermountain. So together, let’s move forward and continue to do what we do best: caring for people and caring about people – including and especially one another.