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Listening and Learning Creates Important Connections

By: Danny Gutknecht
Between the bookends of hospice care, where life's final chapter unfolds, storytelling is an age-old approach to mining the deep veins of personal experience, extracting Meaning, and communicating something to others that can be useful to their lives.

Have you ever noticed how many of us approach the twilight of our life arc and begin the process of reminiscing? I used to think this was an exercise in nostalgia, but I have learned that it's also a quest for assurance that the life lived had significance – that their actions mattered and their presence was felt by those they valued.

Quite often, reminiscence happens randomly in chapters. We only remember our stories in fleeting moments, perhaps encountering something that jogs our memories. And often, the stories are only fragmented narratives from the chapters of life.

Yet, when we take the time to listen and explore someone's story, particularly from those facing the end of life, something different can happen. For example, hospice patients can view their lives not as disjointed events but as a cohesive narrative imbued with continuity and some Meaning. Such storytelling eases psychological suffering, providing comfort and clarity in moments of uncertainty.

For caregivers and loved ones, encouraging storytelling is not just about hearing what happened; it's about understanding the emotional and symbolic significance behind these events. This deep listening can offer insights into a person's values, beliefs, and the impact they've had on others.

Offering the opportunity for storytelling is a gift – a chance to affirm that the patient is heard and seen and that their life story matters. In these stories, the teller and the listener find a shared connection, a recognition of life's complexities and beauties, and a sense of closure that is invaluable in life's final act. And guess what? This same approach, with each other helps us connect and work with each other better, making the time we are here more Meaningful.

Leaders Grow with One-on-One Training

Their Leadership Skills Impact all Site Staff

Leadership training across all sites was a deliberate initiative Crossroads took on earlier this year after analyzing the results of the Employee Survey. As 2023 comes to an end, many leaders have completed Pathways’ 12-week leadership training program.

Crossroads site Executive Directors Stephanie Droppelmann of Kansas City and Tania Abraham of Dayton recently completed their leadership training. Both considered it very valuable, not just for the personal growth they achieved but also for their understanding of how their leadership skills impact the success of their teams at their sites. By becoming stronger leaders, the managers and teams that report to them will have better outcomes for patients and the business.

Leaders in the C4 corporate office have also participated in leadership training. C4 Medicaid Supervisor Amber Payne completed her leadership training with Pathways more than a year ago but is still profoundly struck by the impact it has had on her professional life.

Below are leadership training reflections from Stephanie, Tania and Amber.

Having the opportunity to talk on a weekly basis was great as both a person and a leader. I was able to reflect upon how I got to where I am today as a leader. The investment in professional development speaks to Crossroads’ investment in leaders that can have true impact at the staff level.
-Stephanie Droppelmann, Executive Director, Crossroads in Kansas City

I looked forward to meeting each week and the assignments that really allowed me to dive in. My purpose and my passion all came together for the culminating personalization statement. I see how I truly am as a leader, including those things that have hindered me as a leader. I feel more empowered to lead and I know I’m here for a reason.
-Tania Abraham,  Executive Director, Crossroads in Dayton  

The essence-mining exercises during the program were the most enlightening for me. I had a huge ‘Ah Ha’ moment that paved the way for me to finally see my true passion and that enabled me to finally put into words what I really find meaning in doing in my position. It also taught me how to see others in a different light and shift my mindset from focusing so much on weaknesses to developing strengths. I truly believe everyone could benefit from this program.
-Amber Payne, C4 Medicaid Supervisor