Inspired by the Icelandic tradition of  Jolabokaflod, or the “Christmas Book Flood,” each December we share a book list to encourage a more fulfilling year ahead. While past lists have included recommendations from our internal Wambi team and community group members, to compile this year’s list, we turned to the inspiring guests from the Moments Move Us podcast.  

“I always try to read books or articles or listen to podcasts that really focus on self-development,” shared Aaron Davis, Vice President and CXO at UMC Health System. In his episode, he mentions books that he has read personally, or has encouraged his team to read through a company book club.  

Check out the books recommended by Aaron and other healthcare leaders during the latest season.

“Hardwiring Excellence” by Clint Studor 

From its practical insights, real-world examples, and actionable strategies, “Hardwiring Excellence” by Clint Studor can help healthcare leaders looking to enhance the overall quality of care and performance of their organization. The book is based on Studer Group’s Nine Principles to create a success-based culture, which includes setting high expectations, tracking progress, ensuring better customer service, building strong leadership, engaging and empowering employees, being accountable, increasing communication, recognizing success, and aligning organizational values, goals, and results.  

“Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t” by Jim Collins 

What differentiates good companies from those that achieve enduring greatness? This idea is explored in Jim Collins’s “Good to Great.” While it can be an influential book for any industry leader, healthcare executives might find this read valuable for its insights on sustaining excellence, leadership principles, disciplined decision-making, and creating a culture of greatness within their organizations. 

“Humbitious: The Power of Low-Ego, High-Drive Leadership” by Amer Kaissi 

Professional speaker, executive coach, and Trinity University Professor Amer Kaissi shatters the common misconception that strong leaders are arrogant, and ego driven. In “Humbitious,” Kaissi instead recommends leadership that balances humility and ambition. Healthcare leaders that prioritize team collaboration, patient-centered care, engaging employees, and continuous learning set their teams and cultures up for better success.  

 Self-awareness and authenticity are part of a leader’s ability to show both humility and vulnerability, a common theme discussed by Moments Move Us guests. Embracing both qualities can lead to more meaningful connections, foster a positive and collaborative environment, and contribute to personal and professional growth. 

“Compassionomics: The Revolutionary Scientific Evidence That Caring Makes a Difference” by Stephen Trzeciak and Anthony Mazzarelli 

 Cooper University Health Care and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University’s Stephen Trzeciak and Anthony Mazzarelli share compelling new research which demonstrates that the healthcare industry is in the midst of a compassion crisis. Captivating stories from the frontlines and eye-opening data demonstrate how human connection and compassion can ultimately help reduce burnout among healthcare providers, improve quality care and patient outcomes, and build trust within the community.  

“Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action” by Simon Sinek 

Helping employees connect with their meaning and purpose is one of the core elements to building a positive culture. A sense of purpose is tied to improved physical and mental health, lower stress levels, retention, and organizational performance.  

“Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action” by Simon Sinek explores the concept of starting with a clear sense of purpose or “why” in leadership and communication. The principles outlined in the book can help healthcare leaders build engaged teams, prioritize patient-centered care, and navigate the complexities of the healthcare industry with a clear and inspiring vision. 

“Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork” by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy 

“How can I do this?” This is a question we’ve been trained to ask ourselves when we want something accomplished. Instead, Expert Coach Dan Sullivan encourages us to shift our mindset to “Who can do this for me?” This idea emphasizes the importance of delegation and collaboration. Through this book, healthcare leaders can learn to lead more efficient and impactful teams.  

Moments Move Us is a podcast hosted by Rebecca Coren, changemaker, healthcare advocate, and cofounder of Wambi. The show explores transformative stories from healthcare executives as they share impactful moments of human connection from their professional journeys. It’s these moments, the moments where people feel truly seen or heard, that spark positive change.  

“I think the work that you do and the point of emphasis around connection, I find so important,” shared Dennis R. Delisle, Executive Director, University Hospital, Brain and Spine Hospital, and Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center during his episode. He continues, “Healthcare is a very special industry. And I think when we put people first, not just the patients we care for, but the employees who we serve as leaders, wonderful things happen. And it’s so meaningful because we are patients, we are family members ourselves. We have friends who need care. The work we do matters, and the people we work with matter. And I appreciate that you are also sharing in that message because it’s what makes this industry special.” 

Listen and subscribe to hear these inspiring stories.  

Organizational restructuring and workforce reductions are challenging, stressful, and emotional topics for any organization. From rising prices and budget cuts to technology innovation, there are countless reasons for adjustments to the workforce. According to a recent report, the healthcare industry has made the third-most job cuts out of 30 industries (behind technology and finance.) In the first quarter of 2023, there was a 65 percent increase in job cuts in comparison to the first quarter of 2022.  

 As a leader in healthcare culture transformation, Wambi has compassionately supported multiple organizations through these transitional periods.  

A change in organizational structure can result in a shift to a less positive culture. Because of this, leaders need to identify opportunities to help maintain and boost morale. A study of Wambi users from a large regional healthcare system demonstrated a 37 percent increase in positive sentiment and a 26 percent decrease in negative sentiment after only six months of utilizing the platform. These promising metrics demonstrate that it is possible to establish a successful organizational culture when there is a consistent process in place to do so. This is helpful for organizations facing the difficult decisions of reorganization or workforce realignment.  

 Additionally, organizations need to prioritize the well-being of their employees. Wambi brings a fresh perspective to providing encouragement, inspiration, and support and was determined to be a “Best Fit” solution for mental health by American Nurses Association\California.  

 Ways you can ease your organization’s transition through workforce challenges with the help of Wambi:  

• Prioritize consistent communication 
• Share regular recognition
• Align with company values

Receiving feedback 1:1  

During any form of organizational restructuring, it is expected that team members will have many questions. Leaders and managers need to encourage open and honest feedback on a 1:1 level. Establishing a safe space for individual conversations can promote open communication, which is essential for building a culture of respect. 

 Another way for leaders to gain honest feedback is through an organizational survey with questions on job satisfaction, retention, purpose, company integrity, and overall recommendations. These anonymous surveys can be used to address trends in sentiments across the organization, highlighting opportunities for improvement.  

 Wambi makes it easy for staff to communicate their sentiments on a continual basis through platform Check-ins. This quick, anonymous question is displayed on Wambi newsfeeds quarterly and can be customized to fit the needs of your initiative to effectively address any issues.   

 Create interdepartmental focus groups 

Encouraging team members to collaborate cross-functionally will help diversify perspectives and roles. Human resources directors may want to create interdepartmental focus groups to  

hear what is being said by employees. Wambi provides a great opportunity to promote these groups and their findings through the platform’s newsfeed, where leaders and managers can share posts requesting involvement or providing updates. 

 Navigating workplace survivor syndrome and guilt  

It’s understandable for team members to experience survivor syndrome or guilt after a significant reduction in workforce. Employees are torn between feeling grateful to still have their job but also missing their colleagues and friends. This situation requires compassion and authenticity, which can be exercised with posts on the Wambi newsfeed to provide helpful resources for team members. 

 Additionally, the “Everyday Moments” Wambi category has a variety of designs created to acknowledge the often-challenging moments that healthcare workers experience. Similar to an ecard, users can select a Wambi that best fits with the message they want to send. These messages should not simply mask negativity with a smile, but instead focus on realistic optimism, understanding that things are difficult while still noticing positive moments. 

 Need help getting started? Here are some message suggestions:  

• We’re here for you and we support you 
• I understand this is a difficult and emotional time…  
• If you have any questions or want to talk further, please contact me or HR.  

 An important deterrent of survivor syndrome is showing recognition for team members’ individual contributions.  

Feelings of instability might be high after a layoff, even among top performers. Retention challenges often follow, with research showing a 31 percent increase in voluntary turnover following even modest (1 percent) reductions of staff. In light of this, leaders must shift their mindset to “re-recruiting” remaining employees. Leaders should be highly visible and engaged to help reaffirm their commitment to current team members. Expressing gratitude for the work that is being done helps team members feel confident in their roles during periods of uncertainty and change.  

 Wambi makes it easy for all leaders to gain insight into the positive work happening across an organization by quickly commenting, reposting, or directly thanking team members for these efforts. As many team members are picking up additional work or shifting functions to support gaps, it’s important to ensure these individuals are recognized for their effort and impact. Additionally, you can shine a spotlight on the team members who are stepping up to be leaders in their roles or in their attitude. Actions like these can help provide reassurance and a sense of support during a trying time, impacting engagement, motivation, and retention. At a large academic medical center, there was a 39% annual reduction in nursing turnover among units engaging in more recognition on Wambi.  

 Sending recognition through Wambi is a powerful way to communicate with team members and show appreciation. Supporting team members happens through messages such as:  

• Thank you for your hard work and dedication. 
• You are a valuable member of our team. 
• Your leadership has been appreciated during this challenging time.  
• I see your hard work and dedication.  
• Thank you for learning something new.  

Company values are the heart of organizational culture and vision. As a North Star, these beliefs shape the direction and goals for your organization and drive your business forward. They set the tone for your organization and keep everyone aligned on the company mission. During transitional times, reinforcing company values demonstrates commitment and consistency. Values, like a company mission, are the center of who your organization is. Misidentifying or failing to embody your values breeds mistrust and can make employees feel they are working for an organization that is not genuine.  

 Wambi’s healthcare culture transformation solution helps ensure values continue to remain at the forefront of your organization. Posts on the newsfeed are great ways for leaders to show authenticity, courage, compassion, integrity, respect, responsibility, and trust while reiterating the health system’s purpose. When sending a Wambi, you can select the core values that align best with your message in the platform. 

It’s also important to reinforce how team members’ own work connects them to purpose and reorients them back to the mission after a layoff. People find meaning when they see a clear connection between what they value and what they spend time doing. As Harvard Business Review indicates, “The most effective way to do this is to share stories of how, collectively, you are making a positive difference in the lives of real people and communities.” Wambi is key in uniting healthcare workers with their “why” and purpose, which leads to higher levels of engagement. A meaningful note from a patient can be energizing and uplifting; it can also help them to shift focus back to their purpose and remember the value of the work they do. 

Understanding that this is a challenging time, Wambi is here to provide support and reinforce the positive culture you want to build at your organization.  

 Contact us today for more information and ideas on how Wambi can help.  

“R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Find out what it means to me.” Aretha Franklin was onto something in the sixties. Over fifty years later, we’re still learning what respect means. According to the Medscape Physician Burnout & Depression Report 2023: “I Cry and No One Cares,” respect has an extensive impact on burnout and depression. When surveying more than 9,100 physicians, 36 percent cited “greater respect from superiors and coworkers” as a measure that would help most with their burnout.  

As health systems across the country face seemingly insurmountable challenges with staffing, rising costs, and budgets, respect is something that can be provided for zero cost while significantly improving workplace culture for over one-third of physicians. There has never been a more important time to build a culture of respect, but this requires involvement from all levels including executives, leaders, managers, and team members.  

1. Lead by example  

“If we’re not doing it as leaders, our team members certainly aren’t going to do it,” shared Zane Zumbahlen, Chief Human Resources and Talent Officer at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Leaders must take the initiative to authentically demonstrate the importance of respecting and valuing each team member. They set the example and need to hold themselves accountable. This includes delivering on their promises and endorsing organizational values with their words and actions.  

For many healthcare organizations, Wambi has become a place where leaders feel comfortable being vulnerable and sharing personal stories. They are encouraged to show their authentic selves by sharing videos, using emojis, and writing comments in an environment where they feel safe. By sharing more personal stories, leaders build deeper connections with their teams and make staff feel more valued.  

2. Foster open communication 

Curiosity, transparency, and vulnerability all play a role in creating an environment with open communication. Since each member of an organization brings a diverse perspective, ensure that their feedback is included to help everyone feel like they belong. As a leader, be transparent with your colleagues and provide channels that foster communication and connection.  

To build trust and stronger relationships, leaders need to break down barriers with frontline workers. By respecting your associate’s honest thoughts and opinions, you will better understand their challenges and create a community of support. View each interaction with your team members as a chance to better understand their perspectives and improve your relationship. By creating space and providing the time for your team to freely express their honest thoughts and opinions, team members will feel like their voice is respected.  

Looking for an easy way to integrate open communication into your everyday experiences? Start by knowing and using the names of all members of the team. This simple practice often goes forgotten for the sake of time or efficiency. However, in The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande, Gawande found that making introductions before surgery led to a 35 percent decrease in the average number of complications and deaths. This was attributed to the “activation phenomenon.” By having the chance to voice their names, people were more likely to speak up later if they saw a problem. Calling someone by their name not only builds a culture of respect but has proven psychological impacts that can improve patient outcomes.  

3. Celebrate and recognize accomplishments  

Recognition for a job well done is the highest form of respect. By honoring and appreciating hard work, you are demonstrating that you respect your colleagues’ time and talents. Team members feel seen and valued when leaders acknowledge them. With Wambi’s culture transformation solution, leaders acknowledge meaningful moments and share gratitude while uplifting and inspiring their teams. 

As a gamified platform, employees complete challenges, send and receive Wambis, and engage on the system to fill their progress bar. Once this bar is full, they unlock surprises, reinforcing the importance of building a culture of respect. Wambi can also be a useful tool for accountability. Real-time data and insights help leaders track progress and engagement to see how their team members are participating within the platform. By integrating Wambi into business KPIs, you can ensure all members of the team are working to build a more respectful culture.  

Learn more about the Wambi platform

4. Practice empathy and compassion 

Compassion begins with empathy. Take time to actively listen to your colleagues to better understand and identify with the struggles they face. This includes gaining perspective on their challenges, both inside and outside the work environment. Consider hosting training sessions to help your team build their muscle of compassion and forge emotional connections.  

As one of Wambi’s five core values, compassion is woven into the company culture and the platform alike. We approach every interaction with compassion, and this correlates to respecting the feelings of others. With the platform, there are a variety of different designs to fit the need of any moment. Sending a Wambi can demonstrate how you honor the experiences of others.  

Showing respect costs nothing, but its impact can save millions. Next time when you ask your team, “What do you need” you can remember Aretha, R-E-S-P-E-C-T (just a little bit).  

Respect is just the beginning of fostering an environment of collaboration and engagement. If you’re interested in finding more ways to reduce burnout and turnover to improve patient experience and organizational margins, let’s connect!