Agility Training for Cancer Registrars

Cancer registrars need to be quick and agile to stay on top of the fast-paced changes and complexity in healthcare.  The markets we serve, physicians, hospitals, reporting agencies and patients are radically changing and becoming less predictable.  Each are more interrelated and interconnected than ever before.  As a result, the thinking patterns and decision-making processes we once used to manage our registries are becoming less applicable.     

The cancer registrar’s success is not about working harder, or even smarter, because we’re already doing that.  And, it’s not about being change agents, we’re doing that too.  Instead, dealing with this complexity involves making ourselves adaptable, flexible and quick to respond.  We need less strategic planning and more operational agility.  Here’s how: 

• Visualize success.  What will success look like?  Having a clear picture of what success willl look like will ensure the ability to focus, maintain control and move in the right direction no matter what change or complexity comes your way.      
• Challenge assumptions.  Quite often our biggest enemies are our own attitudes, beliefs and assumptions about our customers and markets we serve.  Constantly challenge your thoughts and look for others opinions to put your thoughts in perspective.  Ask a lot of “what if?” questions.
• Embrace uncertainty.  For decades we’ve talked about managing change.  Now that we’re getting good at it we need to stop managing it and start creating it!  By embracing uncertainty you accept that you will not always have the answers you need and will open your mind to new possibilities and solutions.  You will need courage to make tough decisions without all the data in hand.  Uncertainty is the new “norm.” 
• Get uncomfortable.  Practice thinking differently and evaluating your decision-making processes before implementing them.  Seek ways to deliver value that will change your business relationships and position you as the cancer data expert. 
• Reinvent relationships.  Collaborate with physicians, administrators and staff in new and different ways.  Invite them to participate in your cancer registry’s activities by integrating them into the process from the beginning.  Ask your customers what they need and develop processes that serve their needs. 
• Develop dexterity.  Structure your registry so you can quickly adjust to unexpected events.  Create laser focus and prioritize the work.  Keep your vision for success visible at all times by talking about it and physically putting it in front of you, your team and your customers on a regular basis.  Develop the ability to move fast with focus and flexibility. 

Oh, did I forget to mention that you have to do all this while being informing, inspiring and engaging your team and organization in the process?  Cancer registry leadership is not easy and, in fact, it is going to be more challenging than ever.  But, when you do it right you will be more fulfilled and achieve more success than ever before!