Challenges such as emerging technology, government regulations, workforce shortages and increasing labor costs have driven a number of health system strategic leaders to pivot their approach for 2026. Faced with these challenges, leaders are creating new ways to empower frontline staff and upgrade patient care while trying to increase system efficiency and profit margins. Becker’s asked six health system strategic leaders about the leadership lessons that shaped their operational approach for this year. If you are a COO or strategic leader in healthcare and are interested in joining Becker’s Healthcare COO + Strategic Leader virtual community, please contact Scott King at sking@beckershealthcare.com. Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length. Question: What leadership lesson has shaped your operational approach for 2026? Bryan Croft. Executive Vice President and COO, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles): Given the operational challenges facing healthcare, I would advise leaders to get out of your office and walk the halls. See and talk to patients. See and talk to your people, your caregivers and get to know what motivates them to come in and deliver care, and help your institution put its best foot forward. I think you will find it not only rewarding but it will help ground you in the sacred mission of helping people navigate some of the most trying times of their lives. Brian Evans. CEO, Optim Health System (Savannah, Ga.): “Control what you can control.” It’s advice I’ve heard time and time again. But with shifting payer mixes and…
