From vision to reality: Strategic agility in complex times

Health care is experiencing turbulent times. Change has become the constant. Complexity and sometimes chaos are common characteristics. Within this context, infection control professionals strive to maintain their practices, achieve excellence, and plan for the future. As demands shift and expectations increase, professionals in infection surveillance, prevention, and control (ISPC) programs must develop strategic agility. This article describes the rationale for strategic thinking and action set within a framework of 6 thought-provoking questions. It also describes a number of techniques to use for thinking strategically, such as designing visions, becoming entrepreneurial, and engaging in creative and futuristic exercises to evaluate possibilities for program direction. These techniques can guide individual professionals or ISPC programs in strategic decision-making that will increase the ability to survive and succeed in the future. (Am J Infect Control 2002;30:107-19.)