IGNITE Leadership Academy Action Learning Project 2016-17 | Page 11

Robert Dorcy
Knowledge Network ...
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How do you hope your project might unfold in the months and years ahead and what impact do you hope it
will have on the field at large?
The “Knowledge Network” will further elevate Wartburg’s level of service, innovation and leadership in sub-acute and rehabilitation services.
Planning is underway for meetings with the interdisciplinary team to discuss curriculum topics and reference resources from which to pull
content. While sub-groups begin to develop lesson plans, our telecom provider and CIO will be consulted to establish formatting options for the
educational material. I anticipate continual evolution of the network, both in terms of content and format, incorporating input from patients and
team members to better inform changes. Wartburg hosts students from professional education programs of about 20 different colleges and
universities. Students and clinical faculty will be approached to recommend, provide and edit educational content. Wartburg’s Development and
Marketing team will also be approached to highlight our educational programming, outcomes and patient feedback. The “Knowledge Network”
will be used as an example of Wartburg’s expertise in providing exceptional care with exceptional outcomes. In combination with existing
outcome tracking and reporting efforts, the “Knowledge Network ” can be leveraged to entice interest and stronger partnerships with area
physician specialists, perhaps as eminent guest speakers on our network. We anticipate even better post-discharge outcomes for our sub-acute
patients, to further build upon our value-based proposition as a vital and preferred resource to our referring hospitals and community.
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How has the action learning process in the context of the Leadership Academy experience contributed to
your growth as a leader?
At times the transactional responsibilities of my job role become all-consuming, making it difficult to seek out transformational or growth
opportunities. The action learning process and participation in the IGNITE Leadership Academy has inspired me to think bigger and to recognize
the inherent value of self-investment. I have new insights and strategies to better understand and appreciate the unique interests, gifts and
contributions of myself and others. I more aptly anticipate and spot challenges, finding ways to adapt and reconfigure the path of a project while
still being driven by and moving forward toward the ultimate goal. The knowledge that collaboration makes me better motivates me to seek
out more relationships that further develop my network, and more readily trust and rely upon others. I am reminded not to assess success and
failure from a strictly linear perspective. The liberating perspective that failure is to be expected as part of the process which leads to growth and
discovery inspires me to seek out new challenges and opportunities. Perhaps most importantly, I better appreciate the need to take care of myself
by taking the necessary time to re-energize and renew.
“An opportunity that you absolutely won’t regret. I have met
so many wonderful and inspiring individuals that have told their
success stories ... that have made me both excited and eager
to share. I have made memories and gained an unimaginable
experience that I will carry for a lifetime.”
2016-17 Fellow
IGNITE Leadership Academy Action Learning Project 2016-17
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