As a member of the Rosetta I was intrigued by the idea of an organization dedicated to working with employers and vendor partners to begin bending the curve of healthcare spend. Many of us had been employing tools for a number of years and occasionally would run across another likeminded consultant. It was always exciting when that happened because it gave you the opportunity to compare notes and share what worked. You were not particularly worried about competition; you just wanted someone to share the vision.
During that time, you were trying to find vendor partners that would share your ideas and try to do some things that at the time, seemed way out of the box. The ability to find them was like looking for gold, and they were just as valuable. It was during this time that I learned what a partner is. You see, there were times when others and I were way out over our skis. There were times when something you thought was a great idea, was just the opposite. Times when you had to pick up the phone and say I need a favor. Times when you sat down together and said how do we do this, only to find out you were both wrong. It was in some respects, the wild west!!!
Therefore, I was excited to see the Rosetta come into being. A group dedicated to the idea of likeminded consultants, great vendors and forward thinking employers all working together. Put another way, partners.
So, what is a partner? A partner is family…..period. Someone you look out for, you lift up, you coach up, you consult with, you point out their weaknesses (but only in private). Someone you want the best for, will give multiple chances to and someone with whom you are always honest. Put another way, someone you value and are dedicated to!!!
Lately, I have seen post not treating some of our partners as partners. This is a closed forum and I am not sure some of those partners can even read the post much less share any mitigating thoughts. This causes me a concern. While we need to be able to share all of our experiences both good and bad, it is important that they be provided with context and that the partner has a chance to speak. If we do not treat our partners as partners, then soon we will have none.
You might wonder why these thoughts come clearly to my mind. It is so very simple. In another time, I was that partner. I was way outside of the box I knew. I caused anguish for some of the vendors with whom I worked. It took a long period for me to grow to where I am today and I made and still make many mistakes. Yet, without exception, those I had chosen to work with gave me chances, coached me, consulted with me and valued what the relationship could be.
Upsetting the Apple Cart 