AtlantiCare Leader Handbook

Continuous Improvement AtlantiCare has many ways to ensure that there is continuous improvement in our processes and ways of thinking. PDCA This methodology follows the Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) cycle to solve problems. The plan phase consists of 5 steps focused on defining, clarifying, measuring, and analyzing the problem before developing potential solutions. PDCA is an iterative process to be used for continuous improvement. Lean Methodology LEAN is a methodology that facilitates change management, eliminates waste, and supports continuous improvement. Its purpose is to maximize the work effort of a company’s number one resource (ITS PEOPLE) to provide the most value to customers. LEAN methodology uses the PDCA. Innovative Thinking/Safe to Fail Environment Innovative thinking is unconventional thinking that looks at an issue from multiple perspectives and converts ideas into practical applications. Innovative thinking is about thinking big, challenging the norm, utilizing creativity. It is characterized by speed of thought and action.

A Safe to Fail environment is one in which everyone feels safe to experiment, share opinions, and best practices. To promote a Safe to Fail Environment there are three essential steps:

1. Try new things with the expectation that some will fail. 2. Make failure survivable because it will be common. 3. Know when you’ve failed

Leader Expectation(s): Upon hire, all leaders are required to complete White Belt training and renew the education every 3 years. You will be registered for White Belt Training after completion of Foundations in Leadership. To register for White Belt refresher workshops, log into HealthStream. Leaders are expected to have a LEAN approach in their thinking and encourage their staff to do the same (i.e.: continuously evaluating processes to determine whether they add value and if waste can be eliminated). Leaders should formally use the PDCA cycle, encourage creativity, and create a Safe to Fail environment for their teams.

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