Introduction
At https://www.togetherseniorhealth.com/Together Senior Health, we believed in a world where every senior could live with dignity and joy, even in the face of dementia. Our mission wasn’t just about enhancing quality of life; it was about enriching lives and fostering connections. But like any meaningful journey, we faced obstacles that tested our resolve and called us to step into vulnerability.
We recognized a pressing need: to process patient data in a way that could lead to early detection of dementia and offer personalized recommendations. This wasn’t just a technical challenge—it was a human one, impacting lives and families. We embarked on a collaborative initiative to develop a system capable of transforming raw data into actionable insights. What unfolded was a story of courage, resilience, and the power of daring leadership.
Background
Facing the Challenges
- Frustration with Deadlines
- We found ourselves under the weight of looming deadlines, feeling the pressure mount as we struggled to move forward. The initial lack of clarity in our goals left the team overwhelmed and uncertain.
- Challenges with Client Data Format
- The inconsistent and varied data formats from our clients became a significant hurdle. It was like trying to assemble a puzzle without knowing what the final picture should look like.
- Uncertainty in Productization
- Without a clear path to transform our system into a viable product, we felt adrift. The destination was important, but the roadmap was missing.
Challenges
- Navigating Tight Deadlines
- The relentless ticking of the clock amplified our stress. We were running a race without knowing the finish line, and it was taking a toll on our team’s spirit.
- Inconsistent Data Formats
- Every new data set was a surprise package. The lack of standardization meant we spent countless hours trying to make sense of the information before we could even begin meaningful work.
- Unclear Path to Productization
- We had a vision but lacked the steps to get there. The uncertainty was paralyzing, and we knew we needed a shift—a new way to approach the problem.
Actions Taken
Stepping into Leadership
- Redefining Objectives and Embracing Clarity
- I realized that to move forward, we needed to get honest about where we were and where we wanted to go. We gathered as a team to redefine our immediate goal: to ingest data from OakStreet and provide a meaningful report. With this clarity, we could set realistic deadlines and create a tangible plan.
- Creating a Data Pipeline
- Using the ‘Source of Truth’ document as our guide, we planned out a pipeline implemented in AWS. This pipeline would:
- Ingest Varied User Data: Accept data in various formats from different sources.
- Standardize Data Format: Convert the varied data into a consistent, standardized format.
- Process and Output Usable Data: Run the standardized data through the system to output a usable data file for reporting purposes.
- Developing a Two-Phase Productization Plan
- Phase One: Meeting Immediate Needs
- We focused on what we could do right now. By outputting a CSV file and manually creating presentations using Power BI, we provided OakStreet with the insights they needed without delay.
- Phase Two: Building for the Future
- We initiated Phase Two, planning to push data into a database connected to Power BI, automating future reports. This phase began with setting up the database infrastructure and starting the integration process, aiming to set ourselves up for sustainable success. However, Phase Two was not completed before the company’s acquisition.
Fostering Team Growth
- Empowering the Team
- Leveraging my extensive experience in big data, I took the lead in mentoring the team. Together, we embraced a learning mindset, turning what was once a weakness into a newfound strength.
- Open Communication
- We established regular check-ins, creating a safe space for team members to voice concerns, share ideas, and celebrate small victories. This transparency built trust and reinvigorated our collective purpose.
Results
Transformation and Triumph
- Successful Delivery of Phase One
- We achieved our goal of providing OakStreet with a comprehensive report. The manual presentations created with Power BI not only met their needs but exceeded expectations, showcasing our commitment and capability.
- Progress on Phase Two
- We had started Phase Two, laying the groundwork for automation and scalability. Initial developments included setting up the database infrastructure and beginning the integration with Power BI. This progress demonstrated our forward-thinking approach and commitment to continuous improvement.
- Company Acquisition
- Our success didn’t go unnoticed. Before we could complete Phase Two, Together Senior Health was acquired by another company. The innovation and potential we demonstrated, including the progress on Phase Two, became a beacon that drew others to us.
Conclusion
Our journey at Together Senior Health was a testament to what happens when we lead with clarity and purpose. By confronting our challenges head-on and embracing the discomfort of the unknown, we transformed not just our project but ourselves. Although we were unable to complete Phase Two due to the company’s acquisition, initiating this phase showcased our dedication to innovation and long-term success.
The acquisition of our company was more than a business transaction; it was an affirmation of our efforts and the impact we made. It reminded us that when we stay true to our mission and lead with determination, we can create outcomes that ripple far beyond our immediate sphere.
Lessons Learned
1. Ensuring Well-Defined Goals
One of the most significant lessons we learned was the importance of establishing well-defined goals encompassing both short-term and long-term strategies. Clearly identifying objectives and mapping out paths to achieve critical success milestones enabled us to focus our efforts effectively and navigate the project more efficiently.
2. Properly Identifying and Mapping Paths to Success
Properly identifying and mapping out the steps necessary to reach critical milestones proved crucial. By developing a detailed action plan and redefining deadlines, we could manage expectations and allocate resources more effectively, leading to successful project execution.
3. Importance of Clear and Regular Communication
Maintaining clear and regular communication was essential in keeping the project on track and ensuring success. Open dialogue among team members and stakeholders facilitated collaboration, allowed for timely identification of issues, and contributed to more effective problem-solving.
4. Ensuring the Correct Skill Set
Ensuring that the team possessed the correct skill set to accomplish the project’s goals was paramount. Addressing skill gaps and leveraging expertise where needed enhanced our capability to deliver high-quality results.
Informing Future Projects and Collaborations
These lessons highlight that by making sure we properly plan, staff, and approach projects with staged and collaborative steps, we can achieve our goals. Intentional planning and resource alignment are key to navigating complex projects successfully.
Best Practices for Similar Situations
- Build an Oversight Team with the Correct Expertise
- Begin by assembling an oversight team that brings together the necessary expertise. This ensures informed guidance and robust decision-making from the outset.
- Scope Out the Project Thoroughly
- Identify key roles and required skill sets, ensuring to remove biases based on the team’s current limits. Focus on what is truly needed to achieve the project’s objectives.
- Identify Risk Factors and Develop a Roadmap
- Proactively identify potential risks and put together a comprehensive roadmap. Solicit feedback from other stakeholders to gain diverse perspectives and strengthen the plan.
- Assemble the Right Team
- Once the groundwork is laid, build the team needed to accomplish the tasks. It’s important to look past the “one team fits all” mentality and identify what will create a clear path to success.
By integrating these best practices, organizations can enhance their ability to navigate complex projects, foster innovation, and achieve their objectives effectively.
Closing Thoughts
In the end, it’s not just about the technology we build or the milestones we achieve. It’s about the stories we create together—the moments of connection, the lessons learned, and the growth we experience. At Together Senior Health, we discovered that when we lead with clarity and embrace collaboration, we can make a profound difference. And that’s a legacy worth striving for.