Note from the Education Director: Moving into the new year with intention

by Deanne Wilk, MPS, BSN, RN, CCDS, CCDS-O, CDIP, CCS

As we move into 2026, the Year of the Horse, a time traditionally associated with momentum and purposeful forward movement, it’s a great time to evaluate where you are as a CDI program. It is an opportunity to move forward with intention rather than urgency, and to rethink how we approach our work. One way to do this is by developing or reevaluating your CDI team’s mission, understanding the values the team embodies, and aligning around a shared vision.

Mission

Do you have a mission? Do you know what it is? Does it guide your daily work?

The mission defines the purpose. It clarifies what you do, who you serve, and why your work matters. It is grounded in today and guides our priorities, decisions, and behaviors. A strong mission also provides focus and sets boundaries, helping teams understand what work belongs within the program and what does not.

When clearly defined, mission promotes intentional action over reactive response and keeps our effort aligned with meaningful impact.

Values

We often focus on mission through metrics. While mission and metrics do influence behavior, they do not define our values.

Values reflect what matters to us personally, and what matters to us personally will establish what matters to us collectively. They guide behavior when rules are silent and expectations are unclear. Values build consistency and trust, anchor teams during times of change, and improve the quality of decision making. They shape culture, protect professional integrity, and bring pride and meaning to the daily work.

What do you value?

Vision

Vision is tomorrow.

It defines where you are headed and what you are working toward. Vision connects today’s efforts to tomorrow’s outcomes and accomplishments. It creates momentum while encouraging creativity, transformation, and growth. A clear vision helps teams prioritize innovation while maintaining alignment with long term goals.

When mission, vision, and values are aligned, teams establish a strong and credible presence within the organization. This alignment supports ethical and professional judgment, reinforces accountability, and strengthens trust.

Having a strong mission, vision, and values creates a decision filter. Does it align with our why? Does it support your core purpose? What problem is it solving? It helps eliminate the external noise and shifts the team from reactive work to purposeful, intentional activity.

As we begin the year, it is an opportunity to slow down and reflect. Take time to evaluate where you are, where you are headed, and how you want to move forward. With a clear mission, grounded values, and a shared vision, teams can develop a thoughtful plan of action that supports sustainable impact and meaningful progress.

Editor’s note: Wilk is the CDI director at ACDIS/HCPro. Contact her at deanne.wilk@hcpro.com.