The right stuff

The interviews with board members at 10 high-performing community health systems revealed many other factors that, in the opinions of some, have contributed to their system's strong operating performance; for example, prudent investments in facilities and services, new technology and strategic mistakes by competitors. On the whole, however, the trustees perceived the six factors outlined above as being most influential in their organizations' successful performance in recent years. The table on Page 21 provides a summary of the trustees' views. Numerous factors contribute in varying degrees to organizational performance. Board leaders and CEOs should assess their organization and, as objectively as possible, identify those which are truly pivotal in determining its operating performance. Allocating proper attention and resources to them and monitoring the results on an on-going basis are among the main responsibilities of governing boards in today's challenging health care environment.