SAN ANTONIO ― EMS chiefs and leaders learned the application of appreciative inquiry and audacious leadership to strengthen the capabilities of individual leaders, teams and organizations at the Pinnacle EMS conference.
The interactive Pinnacle power seminar began with attendees interviewing each other about their audacious leadership stories. These one-on-one interviews shared information while also building relationships. Throughout the session participants gained insights into their leadership style and how to strengthen their best values and attributes.
In another group exercise, participants applied the appreciative inquiry change process to an opportunity facing their organization. One of the groups defined the issues of transporting patients to the right place, at the right time for the right problem. The group identified best practices happening now in the profession, such as Houston’s telemedicine project for low-acuity patients, and dreamed a vision for a specific community to improve care for patients.
Memorable quotes
Here are three memorable quotes from the session facilitator, David Nelson, Fitch & Associates consultant.
“The men and women in this room will see change (in health care and public safety) that we have never seen before.”
“Our brains listen to words, not necessarily the order the words are in. Language is important.”
“When we focus on what’s right and what’s working we can make it even better.”
Key takeaways on appreciative inquiry
Attendees learned the importance of appreciative inquiry and audacious leadership.
Here are key takeaways on the application of appreciative inquiry to EMS leadership.
- Appreciative inquiry looks at a person, team or organization and what is working well and tries to grow or improve those positive attributes.
- A change process, using appreciative inquiry, follows the steps of definition, discovery, dream, design and destiny.
- Leaders need to ask powerful, positive questions to engage colleagues in telling audacious leadership stories.
- Positive interactions among personnel in an organization improves the care they provide to patients.
Read more about EMS leadership from Fitch & Associates consultants.
#AudaciousLeadership discussion begins the day at #PinnacleEMS pic.twitter.com/bVnd1cMjTO
— PinnacleEMS (@PinnacleEMS) July 19, 2016
