Recently, Pixel Health’s Barbara Casey, President of Strategy & Transformation, sat down with Todd McCullough, Chief Innovation Officer, Lipscomb, to discuss the theme of “Building Innovation into Organizational DNA” at the Tennessee HIMSS Health Connect Event. Their conversation, rich with insights and practical strategies, revolved around how organizations can foster a culture of innovation that is maintainable.
Setting the Context
The discussion began with an emphasis on the significance of innovation as a discipline within organizations. Barbara and Todd highlighted the evolution of innovation over the past few decades, acknowledging that while innovation was once viewed through a narrow lens, it now needs to be an integral part of organizational strategy. They proposed that organizations should aim to integrate innovation into their core systems, making it a fundamental aspect of their operational DNA.
As Todd noted, “How do you go from randomness and luck and hard work to a codified discipline?” This question sets the stage for exploring how organizations can cultivate a sustainable innovation practice.
The Discipline of Innovation
To illustrate the discipline of innovation, Barbara shared her perspective on the necessity of a structured approach. “Innovation should be treated similarly to strategy,” she explained, emphasizing that organizations need to have clear frameworks and methodologies in place to support innovative initiatives. This notion aligned with Todd’s assertion that organizations should define what innovation means to them and maintain clarity in their objectives.
A Working Definition of Innovation
Todd provided a good definition for innovation today signified by “CBD,” standing for Change for the Better by Design. So, if we do propose a change, its not just change for the sake of change, but that the result is going to be a true improvement in the future state. And, we must ensure that change is done with an emphasis on good design — design with the end user, customer, or beneficiary in mind. Take a very intentional approach to create exactly what you want, whether that is a product, experience, or outcome. Barbara and Todd discussed several design frameworks as a way to structure the work across multi-disciplinary teams. Todd also discussed how to work with those in organizations that use the “no” card frequently – with finance, IT, marketing, or operations often being the culprits. Barbara then offered ideas for how to involve them in the innovation and design process so that they become part of the improvement and subsequently are not saying “no.”
Instead of focusing solely on how innovation teams can sell their concepts, Barbara and Todd suggested directing more energy towards helping functional and executive leaders understand their role in innovation. They emphasized the need to shift the conversation from skepticism to collaboration, encouraging leaders to ask, “How might we?” support innovative initiatives.
Frameworks and Methodologies
Todd expressed his enthusiasm for helping members understand design thinking in the context of their work, noting that tangible models can empower teams to implement innovation effectively. He highlighted that frameworks and methodologies are essential for systematically executing innovation in healthcare, making it a repeatable process rather than a one-off project.
Overcoming Challenges and Barriers
A crucial portion of the conversation focused on the barriers organizations face when trying to innovate. Barbara emphasized that resistance to change, especially within healthcare, often stems from both providers and patients. “It’s not about the technology; it’s about the people,” she remarked, pointing out that the human aspect often presents the greatest challenge in implementing innovative solutions.
The duo discussed various strategies organizations can adopt to address resistance to change. They suggested that strong leadership, clear communication, and ongoing training can help mitigate these challenges. By fostering a culture of openness and collaboration, organizations can create an environment where innovation can thrive.
Real-World Applications
Throughout the dialogue, Barbara and Todd shared examples from their experiences, illustrating how organizations have navigated the complexities of innovation. They emphasized the need for iterative processes that allow for learning and adaptation, which is crucial for making innovations “stick.”
Conclusion
The insights shared by Barbara Casey and Todd McCullough during the Tennessee HIMSS Health Connect Event underscored the vital role innovation plays in healthcare organizations. By treating innovation as a discipline, overcoming challenges, and fostering a culture of collaboration, organizations can embed innovation into their DNA, ultimately enhancing their ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
If you’re ready to explore how your organization can innovate with technology, contact us to start the conversation. Let’s work together to design a path to sustainable innovation that meets the unique needs of your organization.
