← Back to Healthcare Ethos – As a Motivator

The healthcare ethos involves all personnel, with values weakening farther from patient interaction. While it can inspire heroic actions, it is an organizational attribute to be treasured and not abused.

The healthcare ethos extends well beyond the front line worker. Front line managers, administrators and support staff also participate in the healthcare ethos although the strength of the values and belief systems decreases with the distance from the patient or client.

Plus/Minus of the Ethos

Like many things, the healthcare ethos has a positive and negative side. The positive side is a powerful motivator; people have been known to go to heroic extremes for the safety their patients. Managed properly, the ethos can help healthcare organizations to deliver the very best patient focused services.

Without proper management, the ethos can lead to stagnation, animosity and anything but organizational harmony. The larger organization goals can be clouded by the immediate priorities of the care giver.

Striking the Ethos Beat

So how do successful healthcare organizations strike a balance between the good and the bad of the ethos, through 4 strategies.

1. Communication, Trust and Respect
2. Managing the Group through the Individual
3. Intangible Asset: Nurture but don’t Exploit
4. Manage change transparently, but practice tough medicine

Thoughts, Comments, and Your Ethos?

Does the Healthcare Ethos resonate with you? Is it too obvious to be banal, brand new or in between? Leave a comment including whether you know of another ethos worth noting?