Resolutions

By Jason M. Newmark, BA, MHA, CRA, FAHRA

I know it is a little cliché to title this article “Resolutions” and tie my comments to thoughts about starting off a New Year, but it just works! Admit it: the whole process of making resolutions is fun! We can think big! We can boast of how we will eat better, sleep more, and work out. And, for a few moments, we can actually let ourselves put aside our fears and see only what is possible (no matter how crazy).

To me, it isn’t about whether or not you actually stick with all of your resolutions; rather it’s about the process of allowing yourself time to truly consider what you can do over the next year to better yourself and/or be a better friend, colleague, spouse, sibling, parent, etc., and then make at least some progress forward. Even a little improvement is worth celebrating, as it shows forward progress vs. the status quo – it means you are moving vs. standing still, and isn’t this what life is all about anyway? What’s that famous Emerson saying – the one that Aerosmith stole for their 1990’s song “Amazing” (my buddy Ed Yoder would have gotten this one!)? “Life is a journey, not a destination.”

Wouldn’t you agree that developing your leadership skills and becoming your best and most authentic self is truly a journey that we, as AHRA’ers and healthcare leaders, are all on together? And with the start of a new year, wouldn’t you agree that this is the perfect time for us to agree on a BIG, shared resolution? I am hoping all of you will enthusiastically say, “yes!”

SHARED RESOLUTION FOR 2017:

To commit to advancing our own professional development (and that of our AHRA colleagues) by enhancing our engagement and involvement in our fantastic association!

Here are two ways to make significant steps forward in achieving our shared resolution for 2017:

1. Online Basic Track

The Basic Management Track is made up of our most successful AHRA presenters/presentations focused on basic management skills (budgeting, project management, communication, etc.) and is specifically targeted for developing new and growing leaders. The online course is available on-demand (so you can go at your own pace), and you will receive a certificate upon completion of all courses.

We just signed up five members of our Baystate Health management team – how many of you will sign up and/or how many of your team members will you sign up?

http://www.ahraonline.org/BasicTrack

2. Spring Conference

As I noted in my December Link article, the Spring Conference will be held March 9-11 in Savannah, GA. Special thanks to our collaborating partner, GE, and to our Design Team, who have selected over 14 fantastic presentations and speakers. Check out the website to read up on the session offerings and to get to know the speakers. Registration is now open!

Once again, Happy 2017!  Here’s to our shared resolution and journey.

Jason M. Newmark, BA, MHA, CRA, FAHRA is the president of the 2016-2017 AHRA Board of Directors. He is the vice president, diagnostic services at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA. He can be reached at jason.newmark@baystatehealth.org.