Blog

Looking to birds for better healthcare facilities project teams

Blogger offers five bird-related associations to collaborative team concepts, gleaned from working with IPD teams, which may be applicable to project delivery success going forward

By Meg Grimes/Special to Healthcare Facilities Today


With all the discussion in the design and construction sector about the collaborative project delivery approach for healthcare facilities, is this leading where we are going, or is it “for the birds?”  In his blog on the Dallas/Fort Worth Healthcare Daily website, Steve Whitcraft says both.

The main premise of the collaborative/IPD concept depends on having the right team, with the right areas of expertise, in an environment of trust, with appropriate motivation and focus among the team members to be successful, said Whitcraft, CHC, CPC edac, director of healthcare for Turner Construction Company. 

Birds came to mind after he heard an acclaimed bird-trainer tell stories, and talk about his experience working with  birds. 

Whitcraft offers five bird-related associations to collaborative team concepts, gleaned from working with IPD teams, which may be applicable to project delivery success going forward:

1. Feed: It may be counter-intuitive to feed a bird after he fails to follow the command strictly as desired, but punishment would result in losing the bird to the wild. 

2. Flock: “Birds of a feather flock together” yet birds in flight (or on a wire) know exactly how far from the next bird they need to be. 

3. Follow: Eagles may not flock, but teams need leaders who can work as an accountable part of the team, not just delegate from a treetop. 

4. Foster: Birds will be very protective of their babies in the nest, but when it is time to go, they push them out. 

5. Fun: If you didn’t have to work, what would you be doing? Is “what you would be doing if you didn’t have to work” one definition of “fun”? 

Read the blog.

 

 

 



December 23, 2013


Topic Area: Blogs


Recent Posts

What Every EVS Leader Needs To Know

Managers must demonstrate mastery of infection prevention standards, accountability through measurable outcomes and visible collaboration with clinical teams.


Blackbird Health Opens New Clinic in New Jersey

The new clinic is located in Mount Laurel.


St. John's Riverside Hospital Falls Victim to Data Breach

There is no indication that personal information has been misused for the purposes of identity theft or fraud.


Grounding Healthcare Spaces in Hospitality Principles

Thoughtful design can establish the calm of a spa and the restorative feeling of a resort in healthcare spaces, bringing benefits for patients and care providers.


UC Davis Health Selects Rudolph and Sletten for Central Utility Plant Expansion

Work is already underway with substantial completion anticipated in the fall of 2027.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.