Dorrier Underwood

Frank, or “the King” as he was known behind his back, was drafted out of near retirement to lead a new initiative for the Southeast region.  Liza, who ruled the  Emergency Department, was drafted to be his partner . Together, they were commissioned with launching the new medical model for short term acute care.  Some called it the most important patient and value centered initiative of the year. Except that when I met them, they were battling each other on a daily basis. Both thought they were in charge, both knew they were right, and both wanted to have their way.  Besides, weren’t they hired for their ideas and expertise? Liza and Frank were attempting to work together, but neither had really partnered with another professional to build anything for most of their careers.   As a result, the doctors were angry at the nurses, the nurses blamed the doctors for the initial mistakes, and the executives were pulling their hair out, trying to get Frank and...

I wondered how this program would go, and was excited to be co-leading with Doug. When I discovered that I would not be co-leading but would be more backup and support, I have to admit I was sad. I really wanted to lead. You know me, center of the room, all eyes on me. But I took it on. I decided that I would be the leader even if I did not say anything. I was anything but subordinate to Doug, challenging him on what to do next and sending in ideas on scraps of paper to share, which he did share almost 100% of the time. We had one moment when I tried to help overtly, and though the content was needed, the context was not there for them to hear me, or for me to speak loudly enough for them to hear me. It was like they did not give me a voice, me, the loudest guy you know. So I just supported and made sure Doug was the man. I did not back off one iota but I did not speak again until Doug asked me to share something I had written to him. And in a loud strong voice I told them ...

The Gift After the Mistake Elbow on the back of your chair Elbow formed in a V with your hands behind your head You are sitting there curious You want me to say something Besides, I made a mistake Besides, I thought you did the right thing   Besides some explanation or excuse I did chop down that cherry tree Besides wanting credit that I told you I had made a mistake even though I could have kept it to myself. Besides not engaging in subterfuge I give you the gift of trusting The gift of saying what you need The gift of seeing that you got it The gift of being of partnership The gift of asking for what you want really The gift of sharing what threatens you The threat you feel by merely being alive And taking on this big huge over the top goal for some little girl from the country Some little girl looking to be the President of a company And so many balls in the air And players playing and who is going to do what when The gift of cleaning up a m...