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Malisha Patel, a recent graduate of the Trinity Health Care Administration program, talks about the next generation of health care leadership in the December 2006 ACHE Student Associate Newsletter:   

Generational Talk

The line separating Generations X and Y are not always definitive. They have a lot in common, especially individuals choosing a career in healthcare. We interviewed two healthcare leaders who are passionate about their careers and providing quality healthcare. Alan W. Biggs, CHE, is the CFO and COO of Logansport Memorial Hospital. At 38 years of age, he is the quintessential Generation Xer. Malisha S. Patel, CHE, represents Generation Y at 26 years of age. She is the Commitment to Quality Operations Analyst for Tenet Healthcare Corporation. While their answers reflect where they are on their respective career paths they both struggle with the same issues regarding to balance their work and personal lives.

How do you define success?

Biggs: Success is knowing that you have made a positive difference for patients or were a part of a team.

Patel: I define success as not only being able to have a balance between work and your personal life, but enjoying what you are doing and making a difference.

Do you see differences in the work styles between Gen Xers and the millennials?

Biggs: With the culture they've grown up in, generation Y tend to be more able to quickly assimilate technology into their daily lives and that can be a real asset to getting the existing work done in a more efficient way.

Patel: Because we grew up with computer technology, it is our first point of reference. If we don't know something, we "Google" it first to find out information. Our second point of reference would be to talk to others or network. Because the Gen Xers didn't have many of the today's technologies when they began their careers, we are more prone to using these tools.

Do you interact differently with people from your own generation versus Gen Xers?

Biggs: I typically try very hard not to get into generalities regarding different generations, as I've found each generation previous tends to underestimate the generation following, which can lead to stereotypes and labels being applied without getting to know the people.

Patel: To a certain degree, yes. I find myself reaching out to colleagues for their support and to those of other generations for guidance. We all have knowledge of the healthcare field, but they have more hands-on experience to back it up.

Do you manage millennials differently than staff from other generations?

Biggs: I've noticed, not so much at work but through my kids and other kids I've coached, that society today tends to be more quick-shot and episodic based, and so I think to keep their interest, generation Y workers will be ones where you'll need to keep them challenged with more opportunities.

What is your biggest concern regarding your career?

Biggs: My biggest concern is providing value to the organization through my actions. I believe that opportunities will always present themselves to those who are willing to make the effort to pursue them.

Patel: My biggest concern is staying competitive. With the high caliber of individuals in healthcare management and the continuous changes and challenges in this arena, it is critical to keep up with the momentum.

How do you achieve work-life balance?

Biggs: My CEO once told me that, as an executive, your days tend to belong to everyone else. This can make getting things done challenging. I try to work my long days early in the week, and regularly schedule at least one day per week to work late into the evening. I find the alone time helps me accomplish the paperwork and gives me time to focus on issues.

Patel: It is definitely a challenge to achieve a work-life balance, but I try to make it a priority. Being in a fast-paced work environment, I try to make the most effective use of my time. While I am at work, I commit myself 100 percent.