The Human Margin: Building the Foundations of Trust

It is with great professional regard that I recommend The Human Margin: Building the Foundations of Trust by Dr. Katherine Meese and Quint Studer. In an era where speculative leadership models are being supplanted by evidence-based practices, Meese and Studer have produced a succinct and timely work that elucidates the role of leadership in advancing healthcare quality through the strategic management of human resources. While a brief overview cannot fully capture the depth of insight offered in this book, it is an essential resource for healthcare leaders committed to scientific management principles. The text addresses critical aspects such as reducing employee turnover, fostering well-being at both personal and organizational levels, instilling authentic accountability, and cultivating an environment where trust-based relationships are prioritized and sustained. As healthcare leaders, it is imperative to recognize that our personnel are our most valuable assets. By creating conditions that enable our teams to perform at their highest potential, we can significantly enhance patient outcomes and contribute to the broader economic vitality of our healthcare system.

This book should be in the hands of every healthcare leader out there. Meese and Studer have put together a bible for middle managers who get caught between the C-suite and staff.It is easy to pick up and absorb a chapter at a time, which for most leaders, time to read (or listen) is a rare commodity.It's full of common sense strategies that will elevate staff-leader relationships. I've been coaching healthcare leaders for 13 years and I think this is THE best book out there. I own both the hardcopy and audio book and I don't regret either purchase.

I can’t tell you how many times I said “Wow” while reading this critically important publication. The research and science of human capital is phenomenal but this book goes far beyond just the research and the science and gives you perspective and real solutions with action steps to restore, refresh and retain talent. I flagged so many pages, almost all of my book is flagged. I made notes and created an action plan to sharpen my own saw and to lead better teams. Every organization should make reading this publication a priority. When anyone complains about staffing, recruiting or turnover to me, I’m definitely recommending this book.

This excellent book gives leaders in the hospital setting relevant tools and timely data to retain and recruit thriving employees—a critical need in today’s healthcare landscape. Keeping healthcare workers motivated and engaged is good for business and patient outcomes.The book focuses on ten aspects of work life that matter most to people and build trust in their leaders. The authors provide experience and evidence-based solutions that organizations should implement now. While this book is focused on healthcare, it has important lessons for leaders in any industry that want to cultivate people, their most valuable asset.

I work in this space in healthcare, and Katherine Meese and Quint Studer have written a terrific book with a clear framework for how to take on the challenges the flow from a healthcare workforce that is burning out, overworked, and leaving all too soon. There is no single magic bullet, but multiple issues that must be addressed, and they have a good sense of the full range. They don't write overly-long chapters on each of them to show all they know -- instead, they write what we NEED to know. And they do so with charming flair that makes the book fun to read.

Such a quick read and a great reminder that we must always consider the power the "middle management" holds in an organization. I can see Quint's fingerprints on this book and find it very powerful. An entire leadership academy can be built on the premise of this book. I love the research that Katherine Meese layers in throughout the book. Well done!

This is a great book. Very timely content. I am thankful for the wisdom and research in these pages. If you don’t have this book you are missing out!

Loved this book. As a physician and medical director, I started using so many of these tactics immediately. I love that it is based on research, but is incredibly practical.