What if... there was a room and a group?

Several years ago, (in the early 90's) a hospital in Fremont, Michigan made a transition to become an independent community hospital. The name of the hospital was, and still is, Gerber Memorial Hospital - you got it - Fremont, MI., is home to Gerber Baby Foods.

Within 1-2 years of undertaking such a task, the hospital was deep in the red and it was thought they would have to shut the doors. A man was hired by the name of Ned Hughes - and here is how the story goes as I heard it:

Mr. Hughes knew it would take something "beyond the norm" to change the situation and he met with key people and gave direction. They were to find and ask assistance of hospital supervision, doctors, nurses, technicians, former hospital patients, current hospital patients, cafeteria workers, maintenance personnel, custodial personnel, and community citizens, and gather in a room to begin meeting together.

There would be no titles.

Everyone had equal say.

There were no bad ideas - every opinion and idea was welcome and respected, even if it was not specifically used.

They tackled what the hospital was doing right - what it had done wrong - and what it could improve upon. And from this group of people, within a few short years, they changed the climate and history of GMHS.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world - indeed - it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

Below is a listing of the accomplishments of this small hospital in Fremont, MI. Just last year, Ned Hughes retired - and the community took time to tell and show how grateful they were to him. His style of leadership would be hard to duplicate, but those who worked with him will never be the same.

A true servant leader from what I hear.

I'll be meeting in April with a group to strategic plan for a non-profit organization. In the room will be: the board members, executive director, volunteers and perhaps a few others.

There will be no titles this day.

An atmosphere is created to welcome all opinions, questions, and ideas.

The Strategic Planning process is so amazing to me.

The last planning I conducted, I drove all the way home in a snow storm crying.

Why?

Well, through my tears, I said, "Lord, if the church could ever see this - working together like this - maybe amazing things could happen."

What if....we got 30 people in a room for one whole day?

No titles...

Every one's opinion, questions, and ideas were welcomed and considered.

And if not considered, at least respected.

Maybe the list below would be similar in nature...

• Gerber Memorial continues to be regarded as one of the Top 100 Hospitals in the United States – honored in 1993, 1999 (including honors for orthopedics), 2004, 2005 and 2006.
  
• GMHS is among an elite group of hospitals to receive the Governor’s Award of Excellence for Improving Care in the Hospital Setting and in the Emergency Department – 2003, 2004 and 2005.
  
• GMHS has been rated one of the best in the nation for Pulmonary Care by Healthgrades for 2006
  
• Keystone Patient Safety Project partner with Johns Hopkins Hospital and over 70 Michigan hospital ICUs
  
• Benchmark hospital for physician satisfaction among VHA affiliated hospitals in Michigan – 2004
  
• Member of Grand Rapids’ Spectrum Health Regional Hospital Network (West Michigan independent community hospitals)
  
• Affiliated with DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids