By Michael J. Zappa, MD FACEP

Ask yourself the question: could you be doing better? Use whatever frame of reference you would like, and I bet in at least one area or another you would answer yes. Undoubtedly everyone has enjoyed a period, whether long or short, when they felt like they have hit their stride, accomplished a goal, and reveled in some personal pride. What did you do that was so right? In the stressful world of today it's easy to get caught in a rut, focusing on just surviving instead of thriving. If you're not at one of those peaks sailing along successfully, or if you are, and you want to keep it going, remember the three “Ps”: positivity, persistence, and priorities.

By Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP

Stepping outside just before dawn over the past few weeks there is a sensation, a smell, a feeling that quickly floods my brain producing a state that is most accurately described as the perfect balance of contentment and excitement. What is this magic that is happening in my mind? It’s the triggering of my childhood memory of the beginning of summer: another school year was done, and I had an entire summer to do whatever I wanted! It took me a couple of days to figure it out, but I quickly recognized there was no reason not to approach this summer, and in fact every season, with that same sense of opportunity – it would simply require listening to my inner child.

By Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP

Comprehension of the secret to life starts by knowing the facts of life. No, I am not referring to where babies come from! I am talking about the indisputable facts of life - the exciting reality of birth and the inescapable eventuality of death. When most people think of life, they are envisioning what happens between these fixed points of birth and death. Not only is the distance, or time, between these two points uncertain, so is the kind of life one will have. Neither the situation you were born into, nor your current circumstances dictate who you are or what you can do with your life; it is completely dependent on what you choose.

By Dr. Michael “Mike” Zappa

Just a few weeks into this new year, has the excitement already faded? Wouldn't it be a better year if you could recapture that feeling of a fresh start? Think about someone you know that always seems to have a positive outlook; odds are that individual looks at the birth of each day as "new." They seem to have figured it out. They know how to press the reset button effortlessly despite the challenges of the day, the week, or the year that have already transpired.

By Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP

Try to imagine a list of topics that you could introduce into almost any conversation that would be free of controversy. Top on that list would have to be the value of life, the wonder of the gift of life, the exhilaration of saving a life, or helping truly transform someone's life.

By Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP

STOP making excuses for yourself….

STOP believing "If I had been luckier or just had the money to pursue my ideas then I would be…"

START daydreaming!

By Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP

Imagine any advice that could be considered wisdom; whether it seems like common sense or a profound revelation, it is probably not complex. Now think about how long it may be applicable…wisdom actually has no expiration date.

By Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP

Think of a person you admire, look up to, or perhaps are even a little jealous of, someone you would consider successful, generally positive, or a good role model. That individual does what they do with apparent ease and confidence, from just walking down the hall, interacting with others, or being the center of attention.

By Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP

Dreams and aspirations come in many forms: from the drive to be the best at something, to lead a victorious team, to be a great parent, or to be that selfless, ever-reliable friend and humanitarian. Many people can check the box of some of these achievements, yet they may remain unfulfilled - reaching their goal did not transform them.

By Dr. Michael J. Zappa, FACEP

What are you doing right now? Does it have your full attention? Is it what you want to be doing? Do you want to be here? Where? Anywhere!

In our fast-paced, high stress environment, too often our focus is on what’s next, as opposed to what’s now. Although planning for the future is an important leadership trait, it creates the risk of being disconnected from the present – even taking the joy out of living.

By Dr. Michael J. Zappa

Every crisis reveals the truth about systems, processes, and people. Amidst the tears and the heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic there are many valuable lessons to be learned. People will be the focal point of this discussion today: recognizing the Unfiltered View of society and what attracts us to Crisis Leaders.

By Dr. Mike Zappa

Leaders are always on stage; they are not allowed to have a bad day. It sounds a little harsh, but indeed true. Think about what would happen if your leader walked around showing the weight of the world on his/her shoulders. They might not be that obvious or dramatic, perhaps even deny they're having a bad day if asked. The fact remains that their team could tell, perhaps even strangers: less talkative, less eye contact, just business, appearing distant and distracted. Remember, we garner more truth from non-verbal cues than from the spoken ones: posture, position, and facial expression are key forms of honest communication.

By Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP

I am often asked today if I am a doctor or an administrator, my response is both, always! You might ask, can a physician really be both? The answer is yes, BUT not every physician. If you take the group of all physicians, the first cut is those that are interested, then it is narrowed by those that are prepared: either through formal education, life experience or both, and the final cut is those that have the demonstrated ability to lead by inspiring a diverse team and operationalizing a vision. Today this represents a rather narrow playing field.

By Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP 

Attaining most any goal or dream requires us to do something different, which goes against the natural human tendency to stay in our comfort zone. Transformation has to start with change, but we resist change until the pain of staying the same exceeds the pain of change...yes, PAIN is the catalyst and friend of transformation.

By Dr. Michael J. Zappa

Over 145 million patients come to US Emergency Departments every year; it takes over 167,000 emergency nurses to provide compassionate care to these patients:  whether a child with a fever or a senior struggling to breathe, they are America’s frontline for care.

Many people outside of emergency medicine may not realize that our nation’s EDs provide an accurate and unfiltered view of society. This slice of reality shows humanity at its best and worst. In addition to the joy of saving a life, the occasional thank you and smile that an ED nurse will receive, they may be yelled at, unappreciated, subjected to unpleasant comments, and even assaulted…. by people they are just trying to help.

Yet, 24/7, 365 days per year  - days, nights, weekends, holidays, sunny days, stormy days, natural disasters— these dedicated professionals put their personal needs and those of their families aside and dedicate themselves to caring for all types of strangers.

As an emergency physician, I can personally affirm that I could not do my job without them: they are my right hand (and my left), my eyes, my ears, my conscience, and sometimes even my kinder, gentler voice!

By Dr. Michael J. Zappa

Too much of a good thing can sometimes be a problem; there is a risk that caring too much can result in burnout. Even a profession that is literally and figuratively built on it, as is healthcare, there is not immunity to an overdose of caring.

You might be thinking: “What healthcare leader would ever tell a member of their team to care less?”  Self-reflect and visualize your peers and the people you are leading.  Do any of these characteristics seem familiar? 

• Constantly worries about what people think

• Always feels obligated to fix things

• Has a hard time letting things go

• Starts the day with a list of worries

• Ends the day with a list of worries

• Stresses about staff turnover

• Stresses about staff happiness

I’m sure you can identify with some of these tendencies personally or amongst your team.  The answer is not to stop caring about patients, staffing, getting through your “to do” list, or about being liked; the answer is to care just the right amount! Think of care as sugar; in the words of Mary Poppins it takes “Just a spoonful of sugar…!”

Care enough to progress toward your goals, being visible and open, maintaining control while knowing when to let go, and earning respect.  Care about being liked, but do not rest your self-worth on it. Sound advice you might say, but easier said than done.  Try this CARE PLAN:

By Dr. Michael J. Zappa

Recently, I had the opportunity to share the joy and intense emotions of giving away my daughter in marriage. At this extraordinary event, I had the fatherly privilege of making the welcome toast. Reflecting on these thoughts in the days that have passed, I realize that these principles and practices that guide us toward happy and healthier relationships are key traits that great leaders exhibit. Please indulge me in the following excerpt from that toast I gave at the wedding of my daughter Francesca to her husband Matthew.

By Dr. Michael J. Zappa

A mentor of mine is often quoted: "Hope is not a strategy!"

Indeed, there is a world of difference between hoping things will improve and implementing a well thought out plan. However, nothing can ever change or improve unless we can imagine it as such. Once it is imagined, there must be some belief or "hope" that this vision can be realized. Now that's where strategy comes in, making the vision a reality.

As leaders, we must start by inspiring hope, not by asking for the action plan. When your team believes they can make a difference, they will. It is very obvious in healthcare: patients would never come to us without the hope that we can make them better. Hope is not just for our patients, it is for every member of our team.

By Michael J. Zappa 

The human body is the most brilliant machine ever created and the quintessential work of art.  The headline above is not referring to your creativity and accomplishments in your clothing optional private abode; it is taking literary license from 19th century Danish author, Hans Christian Andersen.

Reflect on the fairy tale, The Emperor’s New Clothes.  The Emperor (leader) was a vain man, concerned more with appearances, accolades, and maintaining his current position than the harsh realities that others faced.  His subjects were afraid to express their honest opinions to him, fearing they might be deemed unfit for their position or even stupid.  The climax of this tale occurs when he is fooled by some weavers into wearing a “spectacular new suit” that, in fact, doesn’t exist at all.  The Emperor is allowed to parade through the town naked.  Finally, a mere child blurts out in honesty that the Emperor is wearing nothing at all.

Leaders at all levels of an organization run the risk of being caught naked at work, but this risk increases as one ascends the ranks.  People see pleasing their boss as important, essential to keeping their jobs.  Most leaders would proclaim they are wise enough to detect blatant deception, but it is often more subtle than that.  Very often what happens is filtering; direct reports present the info that makes them look good and their boss is expecting.  This filtering of information is equivalent to a slight degree of course variation which becomes obvious 100 miles or more into the journey.

By Dr. Michael J. Zappa

Long term success in life is rarely achieved by perpetual crisis management and the ability to work around the clock to meet a deadline…not that great leaders and successful individuals don’t have that ability and need to deploy it from time to time! One of the keys to sustained success is balance. Balance should not be viewed as a goal that is attained; rather a dynamic state in need of frequent adjustment…like a see-saw.