Dear Colleague,
As we move ahead in our B Excellent journey, it’s a great time to pause and remember how much stronger we are when we genuinely enjoy being part of our teams.

A positive team culture doesn’t happen by accident; it’s created and cultivated through consistent, meaningful connections – both in and beyond the workplace.
This Week’s Team Collaboration Tips
Beyond the Work Tip #3: Having Fun
This tip reminds us that when teammates truly enjoy each other’s company, burnout becomes less likely and engagement increases. You’ll explore practical ways to bring people together through lighthearted, inclusive activities that help foster connection.
Call to action: Brainstorm nonwork, fun activities your whole team can enjoy together. Examples include step challenges, 5K walk/runs, themed dress-up days or a community service project that brings people together outside of the daily routine.
Ballad Health HRO: The Three A’s of Service Recovery
In healthcare, service recovery moments matter. This tip covers how to recognize when service recovery is needed and how to use the Three A’s (Acknowledge, Apologize and Amend) to turn challenging interactions into opportunities to build trust.
Call to action: Talk to your coworkers about examples of how they’ve used a blameless apology in a difficult situation. Discuss how using the Three A’s can help rebuild trust with patients or coworkers.
HRO Tip Sheet
The corresponding HRO Tip Sheet this week is “Service Recovery” and it aligns directly with the HRO tip on the Three A’s of Service Recovery. It provides practical guidance on how to Acknowledge, Apologize, and Amend when something doesn’t go as planned. You can find this tip sheet in the B Excellent Toolbox or by clicking here.
B Excellent Podcast
Don’t miss the latest episode of the B Excellent Podcast! Dr. Lisa Smithgall, Ballad Health’s chief nursing executive, joins Josh and Aaron to talk about how B Excellent came to life, the impact it’s already having across our teams and patients, and her personal “why” behind a lifelong career in healthcare. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and on the Practicing Excellence app.
Thanks for continuing to bring your best to the team and to those we serve. Whether you’re finding ways to bring joy to your coworkers or stepping up when something goes wrong, your commitment to teamwork and service makes a real difference every day.
