Footprints for the future

The end of each year always seems to be a time of reflection and planning for the future, whatever that might be. It's also a time for celebrations and holidays with family and friends. There are so many dimensions to our lives, and keeping them separate becomes more and more of a challenge. Our work life and personal life are intertwined, of course, and trying to strike a balance that satisfies the demands of the individuals in each world is more difficult each day.

While we instinctively understand that each of these very different entities requires us to wear a different “hat,” I think most of us need to have the kind of old-fashioned hallway hat tree that is visible to us and to others! This is becoming more necessary so that we can fully appreciate the many roles we assume each and every day and to remind those with whom we interact that we indeed can wear many hats in our various roles as professional, child, spouse, employee, boss, board member, and so on. The responsibilities and functions within each of these roles is another consideration, one that is just as challenging. As case managers, we are advocates, educators, leaders, counselors, negotiators, mediators, coordinators, facilitators, and so much more. Those of us who are parents are also role models, educators, chefs, bookkeepers, etc.

Most of us move very comfortably through these roles, but in reality, each requires unique skills and knowledge. Some capabilities are acquired through experience or formal education and eventually become part of who we are; others are learned so gradually over time that we tend to minimize their significance or the contribution they make to our overall existence. This is true for the personal and professional dimensions of our lives, and we need to acknowledge the importance of all these various components and continually nurture them so that we can care for others.

Additionally, those of us who are in management positions need to be mindful of the multidimensional lives of our employees and be aware of the conflicts they may face as they strive to be both competent, caring professionals and members of their own family. These inner struggles may contribute to stress in the workplace, which then may give rise to concerns surrounding quality care and outcomes and safety for patients as these individuals try to cope with everything. In reality, we can't do all things well all the time; as the saying goes, “Something has to give.”

Creating an environment that nurtures the personal and the professional parts of our lives is healthy, but of course even this becomes a delicate balance as employers and employees strive to blend productivity and profitability while allowing “people” to shine through. Is there a solution for all of this? Not an easy one, to be sure, but it is my hope that these words result in positive changes in your workplace and in your personal lives as well.

Why have I zeroed in on the personal/professional blending of lives? Because once again life has a way of reminding me that time passes all too quickly and we should periodically reflect upon our accomplishments, challenges, and opportunities for the future, both professionally and personally. The year 2007 will mark my 10th anniversary as the editor of The Case Manager. My involvement with this publication goes back even farther, to the first year of publication as a contributor, and has continued over these many years. I am proud of all that we have accomplished. I believe we have been successful in becoming not only the voice of case managers, many of whom have provided wonderful contributions to our industry and to The Case Manager, but most certainly the definitive educational resource for practitioners in case management across every professional discipline and practice setting. Over my 10 years as editor, with the assistance of staff and the gifted authors and columnists who have worked with us, The Case Manager has contributed to the continuing growth of case management and the continuing education of its professionals. The story of case management has been told within our pages, and the building blocks have been established through the programs that have been created and profiled in each issue. The challenges, triumphs, and successes that have been realized and publicized in The Case Manager have been brilliant contributions to the work that we have done—the footprints we have set so that others may follow.

Speaking of footprints, little ones will once again arrive at our door, as my daughter Aileen and her husband Neal get ready to welcome an addition to their family. A little one will be joining big brother Declan and cousins Matthew and Brendan around Thanksgiving! So along with the professional stuff, I am thoroughly enjoying this other part of my life and very happily looking forward to another chair (well, possibly cradle) at our table and all the personal and family happiness that this will bring.

On behalf of all of us at The Case Manager, I wish you joy and memorable times with family and friends and a New Year filled with personal and professional happiness!