Think You're a Shoe-In? Think - and Then Act - Again...
February 10, 2010 by Kristen Hayner
The Senator Scott Brown news has died down. But, here’s a number that continues to shock me: 49 percent of union members voted for Senator-elect Brown compared to 46 percent who cast a vote for Coakley.
Fascinating. These union members – who, in 2008 were likely fiercely loyal to now-President Obama – weighed the options of, on one hand, affirming the incumbents and, on the other hand, sacrificing two issues they had fought hard for: healthcare reform and EFCA. They seized the power to make the difference, and they made a significant statement against the status quo.
There’s a million colloquialisms and clichés that apply here. “Don’t count your chickens” comes to mind first. But the more important issue here is not that union members voted Republican. It’s why.
The AFL-CIO spokes had a simple, yet profound, explanation. Said Karen Ackerman, political director for the AFL-CIO: “They voted based on the fact that they don’t see results.”
For community institutions like hospitals, the scenario proves this point: No matter the rapport you have with your patients and docs, it may not be enough in the tough times when winning really, really matters. Resting on your laurels of winning referral rates, top-of-mind recognition, leading marketshare, patient satisfaction, HCAHP scores or any other number of measures that show you as the winner is dangerous.
As a community leader, you have the responsibility to keep up your end of the bargain. Is all quiet for you on the western front? Don’t sit back. Share a “State of the Hospital” address just to keep in front of your audiences. Certainly, there’s some story to tell about your organization. Anticipating a challenge? Then lean in more. Get your message out there again and again, in multiple ways.
If you don’t engage, your “voters” will put you in a corner, grow restless and lash out. To quote the first half of another cliché: “Keep your friends close…” (The latter half of that adage still applies, by the way, but that’s for another post.)
