The path to a stronger U.S. Healthcare System seems to be paved with potholes right now.

Both the Feds and States will have no choice but to cut healthcare payments/subsidies. The trickle down effect will land smack dab in the middle of your desk as a Healthcare Supply Chain leader.

It’s not about you as much as it is up to you to make a difference. In order for the IDNs to strengthen the Supply Chain infrastructure, a continual push to promote, hire, and retain more experienced, energetic, passionate, and highly educated team members will be in order.

From a Supply Chain leader perspective, the following traits are what I have observed over the years in those persons who seem to be the most successful. 

1. They take care of themselves; Take care of yourself, physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally, so that you can help others close to you take care of themselves and so on.
2. They lead by example; Push others to excel, while you are pushing yourself as well. Know when to press, and when to back off.
3. They give while expecting absolutely nothing in return; Remember, it’s not about you, your rewards come from helping others achieve theirs. Offer yourself up to the national, local, regional associations and help raise the tide that helps raise all ships, don’t just focus on your small piece of the neighborhood.
4. They stay balanced; Our world is running so much faster than it was just 10 years ago. It is easy to see those around you who lack balance just frying trying to keep up or get ahead. There will be carnage from this inability to stay balanced.

Hang on! We are a critical part of our world’s healthcare solution, be proud of what you do, be proud of who you are, stay balanced.

Jeff Wagner is Vice President of Materials Management for MidMichigan Health, Midland, Michigan, with 30 years of Healthcare Supply Chain experience.