In this episode of Success in Chaos, hosts Angela Adams and Kandice Garcia Tomkins interview Dr. David Larson, a professor of radiology and AI development lab director at Stanford. Dr. Larson explains how healthcare leaders can distinguish between true chaos and the natural complexity of a large, adaptive system. He shares how structured, “eyes on, hands off” leadership—focusing on clear goals, the right people, and transparent measurement—empowers frontline teams to solve problems collaboratively. He stresses that, with the right frameworks, we can tap into healthcare workers’ remarkable skills, mission-driven focus, and creativity to achieve sustainable transformations in patient care.
Listen on Apple Podcast.
- Chaos vs. Complexity: True chaos is disorganized and unpredictable, whereas complexity (in “complex adaptive systems” like healthcare) can be managed with the right frameworks.
- Eyes On, Hands Off: Leaders should closely monitor but avoid micromanaging; empower those closest to the work with decision-making authority and resources.
- Structured Goal Setting: Moving from a long wish list to a feasible set of high-impact projects helps ensure progress and avoids overwhelming teams.
- Right People, Right Roles: Involving everyone whose work will be affected—and ensuring they can “get to yes”—is critical for buy-in and results.
- Practical Frameworks: Regular check-ins, clear data sharing, and milestone-based reporting keep improvement projects on track and sustain motivation.
Dr. Larsons reading list:
Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World - General Stanley McChrystal
The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization - Peter M. Senge
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration - Ed Catmull