In health care, the Hippocratic Oath — “first, do no harm” — can hold as much sway in the board room as it does in the exam room. Among health care leadership, it can have the unintended effect of promoting inaction over change and innovation. As a result, U.S. health care has become akin to a smothered child—stifled and arrested. If we actually gave it some room to breathe, if we metaphorically opened the doors to let it run around outside, take chances, and fall down occasionally, it could grow into something different, surprising and more satisfying than anything we could have imagined. It’s time, in my view, to let our little precious grow up.
To Fix Health Care, Leaders Need to Let Go of the Status Quo
Four strategies that can lead to real reform.
July 22, 2014
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Innovation and Creativity Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Innovation and Creativity. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Unlock your team's curiosity and willingness to take smart risks.