A top NHS improvement leader recently shared his view that ‘the biggest shift we need to see’ is away from the heroic problem-solving NHS leaders we see today towards problem-framing architect-style leaders, who create the right environment for others
I do not think I have come across such a comprehensive look at health transformation in the UK, well done! You have described so much that has been learned over the past two decades, that we must ensure is retained to move forward.
There have been so much effort, and successful forays, but none of them sustain enough and continue to shift the way the system is designed and works. They all come up against the New Public Management antibodies!
However, you have hit the primary reason why this occurs - and that is leadership. The thinking of leadership drives the way that the whole system is designed and works. Margaret Thatcher drove this in 1980's, it is time that someone else now undoes what she did and replace it with what we have been working with for so long that we know does work, and reduces cost and demand.
And surely we need all leaders, not just one
"At least one leader with the ‘Architect/Transforming’ mindset might well be needed on the NHS Board, to really succeed in the work of removing such obstacles."
I guess my rationale is that without a very transforming, systems-aware, 'Architect' mindset few enduring big changes will happen. But people with that mindset seem to naturally make good changes, create the spaces where they happen.
It's not *that* difficult to encourage an influx of such 'Architect' leaders - at least it gives us a chance of overcoming today's many inertias... It's not really been tried. We should try it. Try something new - don't just rehash old ideas like league tables...
Delighted to see authoritative voices about the shift needed. We now need to move from thinking into action. We have had some great participative leaders involved in Just imagine if_ Reimagining Healthcare. We have involved patients, carers, doctors, nurses, social care, CEOs and managers. To stimulate new thinking and give people the capability and courage to go back and lead change - and we are already hearing the stories of what people are doing. Link is a short video of our first event.
Thanks Matthew - Your article is resonating - both with Just imagine if_ pioneers and also the Trust and system leaders with whom I work. Thank you for adding to the conversation.
If you would like a copy of the Just imagine if_ report from our pilot event, let me know: sarah@uncommonground.org.uk
Very useful - far from comprehensive, but useful https://www.cormetis.com/books
Great Post Mathew.
Conversation on similar lines here
🙏
https://youtu.be/raqzORuELLM?si=_9stv1YFfC7FG-2f
I do not think I have come across such a comprehensive look at health transformation in the UK, well done! You have described so much that has been learned over the past two decades, that we must ensure is retained to move forward.
There have been so much effort, and successful forays, but none of them sustain enough and continue to shift the way the system is designed and works. They all come up against the New Public Management antibodies!
However, you have hit the primary reason why this occurs - and that is leadership. The thinking of leadership drives the way that the whole system is designed and works. Margaret Thatcher drove this in 1980's, it is time that someone else now undoes what she did and replace it with what we have been working with for so long that we know does work, and reduces cost and demand.
And surely we need all leaders, not just one
"At least one leader with the ‘Architect/Transforming’ mindset might well be needed on the NHS Board, to really succeed in the work of removing such obstacles."
Great to hear it floats you boat! I didn't really intend it to be particularly comprehensive - but it seemed to.... expand!
I guess my rationale is that without a very transforming, systems-aware, 'Architect' mindset few enduring big changes will happen. But people with that mindset seem to naturally make good changes, create the spaces where they happen.
It's not *that* difficult to encourage an influx of such 'Architect' leaders - at least it gives us a chance of overcoming today's many inertias... It's not really been tried. We should try it. Try something new - don't just rehash old ideas like league tables...
Delighted to see authoritative voices about the shift needed. We now need to move from thinking into action. We have had some great participative leaders involved in Just imagine if_ Reimagining Healthcare. We have involved patients, carers, doctors, nurses, social care, CEOs and managers. To stimulate new thinking and give people the capability and courage to go back and lead change - and we are already hearing the stories of what people are doing. Link is a short video of our first event.
https://vimeo.com/1016453849
Hi Sarah - I'm looking forward to viewing the video, thanks! Sounds like important work.
Thanks Matthew - Your article is resonating - both with Just imagine if_ pioneers and also the Trust and system leaders with whom I work. Thank you for adding to the conversation.
If you would like a copy of the Just imagine if_ report from our pilot event, let me know: sarah@uncommonground.org.uk