HEALTH CHECK
Have you had your health check recently?
I do regular health checks. At least once a year I have my measurements done
(weight, blood pressure etc), blood tests etc. At the middle of last year, the result of
my cervical screening detected some cells that will grow into cancer when not
treated. Long story short: I ended up having a hysterectomy at the end of February
this year. I am recovering well and am almost back to normal.
I am very grateful for the regular screening we can do to avoid cervical cancer. Every
woman has the possibility to have these health-checks, but not everyone takes this
opportunity and/or is so lucky to avoid cancer. Cervical cancer can be cured if
diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly. Worldwide, cervical cancer is the
4th most common cancer affecting women. In Australia, in 2021 805 new cases of
cervical cancer were diagnosed and 209 women died of the disease.
ORGANISATIONAL HEALTH CHECK
Have you had your organisational or departmental health check recently?
Just as regular health checks can detect early signs of illness and lead to
preventative care, organisational health checks are vital in diagnosing the underlying
issues that, if left unaddressed, could grow into significant problems impacting the
vitality and longevity of your company. These checks are crucial to the continuous
success and well-being of your business, much like how early detection and
treatment are crucial for cervical cancer.
An organisational health check is akin to a comprehensive physical exam for your
company, assessing various vital signs that indicate the well-being of your business
ecosystem. This includes evaluating culture, employee engagement, leadership
effectiveness, operational efficiency, and alignment with the company’s strategic
objectives and its core purpose and values. The goal is to identify strengths to build
upon and areas of potential improvement that may be hindering your organisation’s
growth and performance.
My hysterectomy experience can offer profound insights into organizational
management and health. Here are three lessons that can be drawn from the
operation and applied to organizations:
1. The Importance of early diagnosis and intervention: Just as early detection and
treatment of potential cancerous cells through a hysterectomy can prevent the spread of
disease and save lives, early identification of issues within an organisation can prevent
small problems from escalating into crises. Regular organisational health checks, much
like medical screenings, can help identify areas of concern before they impact the
business severely, allowing for timely interventions and corrective measures.
2. The role of specialist expertise: A hysterectomy is a complex procedure that requires
the skill and knowledge of specialised medical professionals. Similarly, complex
organisational challenges often necessitate the insights and expertise of specialists in
fields like change management, organizational behaviour, or strategic planning.
Leveraging the knowledge of these experts can lead to more successful outcomes, just
as relying on skilled surgeons can lead to better health outcomes.
3. The necessity of recovery time and careful planning: Post-operative recovery from a
hysterectomy involves careful planning, from managing the immediate aftermath to
making long-term lifestyle adjustments. This mirrors the need for thoughtful planning and
adequate recovery time following major organisational changes. Whether it’s
restructuring, leadership transitions, or implementing new systems, providing time for
adjustment and recovery is crucial. This ensures that the organisation can heal from the
disruption and that the changes made can be integrated smoothly into the company’s
operations.
“WE ARE PLEASED TO INTRODUCE THE” 10 STEPS FOR AN ORGANISATIONAL HEALTH CHECK, FOR AN IMPROVED WORKPLACE CULTURE AND EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT”
Much like my personal experience with health checks led to a life-saving
hysterectomy, an organisational health check can be the turning point for your
business. It’s an opportunity to prevent the corporate equivalent of a serious illness –
be it financial ruin, high employee turnover, or loss of competitive edge.
The takeaway is clear: just as individuals benefit from health screenings, so do
organisations from health checks. They both stand as testament to the proverb, “Prevention is better than cure.” As leaders, it’s our responsibility to not only participate in these health checks ourselves but to also implement them within the ecosystems we manage. This proactive approach is not just about survival; it’s about
thriving, growing, and ensuring a future as healthy and bright as possible.
So, ask yourself, when was the last time your organisation had a check-up?
Let’s have a chat if you’d like to know how I can help.
- have a few 45 min calendar sessions to have a chat — link to calendar?
- free 2 hour workshop to explain and explore what an organisational or departmental health check will look like
- 12 week / 3 month health check program
PEOPLE WHO FEEL GOOD PERFORM BETTER