Putting a Number on Work/Life Integration

“What’s your number?”

This week, I had the privilege of connecting face-to-face with my team during our quarterly PDSA. In the fast-paced world of healthcare leadership, these moments have become invaluable opportunities for growth and reflection.

One striking revelation emerged: the evolution of our team’s perspective on work-life integration. We’ve always started our meetings with a simple question: “What’s your number?” Team members would rate their overall state on a 1-5 scale.

But something remarkable has happened over the last year as our team has organically developed a new approach:

“My personal score is X, and my professional score is Y.”

This subtle shift represents a profound understanding of how our work and personal lives are intrinsically linked. It’s a testament to the culture of openness and authenticity we’ve fostered.

By acknowledging this duality, we’ve unlocked a new level of mutual support and empathy.

It allows us to:
·        Extend grace during challenging times
·        Share our own journeys, strengthening team bonds
·        Provide targeted support where it’s needed most

This simple practice has become a cornerstone of our leadership culture. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about recognizing the whole person behind each team member.

To all leaders looking to transform their organizational culture: Start by quantifying “your number” in both personal and professional contexts. It’s a small step that can lead to significant positive change.

Are you ready to take your leadership culture to the next level? How do you balance personal and professional well-being in your team?

This piece was written by Bradd Busick, SVP and CIO at MultiCare Health System. To view the original (published on LinkedIn), please click here.