Evolving Technology, Timeless Relationships: The Key to Success in Behavioral Health
Paul Arguinchona
Chief Information Officer at Frontier Behavioral Health
In this episode we explore the delicate balance between leveraging cutting-edge technologies and maintaining human connections in the behavioral health industry. As digital tools and telehealth platforms continue to shape the future of care, we dive into how healthcare professionals can integrate these advancements without losing the personal touch that forms the foundation of effective treatment. Hear from experts in the field as they share insights on how to foster strong relationships with clients while navigating the evolving technological landscape, ultimately unlocking success in modern behavioral health care.
The Power of Integrity: Why It's the Cornerstone of Long-Term Success
In any business, especially in behavioral health, integrity stands as the core value that can shape one’s career and company reputation. Paul Arguinchona, Chief Information Officer at Frontier Behavioral Health, emphasizes the importance of integrity as a guiding principle in his role. "It's the only thing you can come in with and the only thing you can leave with in any company," he reflects. In his career, Arguinchona has encountered competitors who didn’t always maintain honesty in their client dealings, leading him to double down on his belief that integrity is what ultimately builds trust and long-term success. This philosophy has steered him toward roles that focus on support, where honest and dependable service becomes a key differentiator in the field.
For Arguinchona, supporting clients in a transparent and ethical manner transcends the competitive pressures often seen in business. Even when faced with dishonest competitors, he remains committed to the values of integrity, ensuring that the organizations he serves can trust the solutions he provides. His focus on support, where every company eventually needs reliable assistance, allows him to foster meaningful relationships built on trust. This human-centered approach, driven by integrity, reflects the essence of effective leadership in the behavioral health sector, where clients seek more than just technological solutions—they seek partners they can rely on.
Balancing Technical Expertise with People Skills
In the world of technology, technical expertise is essential, but the ability to communicate effectively is just as important. No matter how skilled someone is with programming or networking, the ability to connect with others and convey ideas can make or break a career. As the saying goes, "It doesn't matter how technical you get if you don't know how to talk to people, you won't go far." Many technologists, particularly those passionate about programming, often find the social aspect of their roles challenging. However, developing strong interpersonal skills is crucial in translating technical knowledge into real-world impact, ensuring that clients, colleagues, and stakeholders can understand and trust in the solutions being delivered.
For many, including those like Paul Arguinchona at Frontier Behavioral Health, the challenge lies in balancing their love for programming with the need to interact and build relationships. Paul recalls being torn between pursuing networking and continuing his passion for software development, ultimately deciding to hone his skills in programming while ensuring that his social abilities were up to par. This dual focus on technical mastery and effective communication has allowed him to thrive in his career, where building trust and fostering collaboration is just as important as writing code. His journey highlights that a successful career in tech isn't just about technical prowess—it's about connecting with people as well.
Developing Young Employees Through Growth and Opportunity
Effective leadership goes beyond simply managing a team—it involves nurturing the growth and development of each individual, especially younger staff members. For leaders, like Paul Arguinchona at Frontier Behavioral Health, the responsibility to support and challenge staff is a top priority. He emphasizes the importance of providing opportunities for young employees to grow and improve, recognizing that if they aren’t being developed, they may eventually leave for better prospects. By investing in their professional growth and fostering an environment where they can thrive, leaders not only retain talent but also create a stronger, more capable workforce.
A key part of this process is identifying each employee’s strengths and finding ways to align their roles with what they do best. While it’s important to work on weaknesses, the real value comes from playing to an individual's strengths. Some employees may thrive in solitary, focused tasks, while others seek out new challenges and responsibilities. The goal is to create a personalized approach that challenges employees in ways that suit them, fostering both personal satisfaction and professional development. By empowering staff and offering meaningful growth opportunities, leaders ensure their team members are both fulfilled and equipped for future success.
The Right Fit: How Attitude and Willingness to Learn Drive Success
In today’s competitive job market, the approach to hiring can significantly impact a company’s success. Paul Arguinchona, Chief Information Officer at Frontier Behavioral Health, emphasizes the importance of hiring the person, not just the resume. He believes that while technical skills are crucial, the right attitude, willingness to learn, and collaborative spirit are far more valuable traits in potential employees. By choosing to invest in individuals without extensive experience, Arguinchona has seen the transformative power of mentorship and training, allowing them to thrive in their roles. This approach recognizes that many talented individuals may not have had the opportunity to gain experience yet, but possess the drive and passion necessary for growth.
This philosophy contrasts sharply with the common expectation of candidates to have several years of experience for entry-level positions, a barrier that can stifle potential talent. Arguinchona’s experiences have taught him that prioritizing attitude over experience leads to a more harmonious workplace and fosters a culture of growth. When employees are encouraged to develop their skills in an environment that values their contributions, they are more likely to succeed. Hiring individuals with the right mindset not only enhances team dynamics but also cultivates a workforce that is adaptable, engaged, and eager to learn, ultimately driving the organization’s success.
Conclusion
The behavioral health industry stands at a crucial intersection where the integration of technology and the preservation of human connections are both essential for effective care. Leaders like Paul Arguinchona emphasize the importance of integrity and interpersonal relationships, fostering environments that build trust and collaboration in supporting clients. By focusing on developing young employees through personalized growth opportunities and hiring for attitude over experience, organizations create a forward-thinking workforce ready for future challenges. Ultimately, success in this sector hinges on balancing technological proficiency with strong human connections, ensuring that client needs are met while cultivating a thriving workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to grow.
Written by Dhan Ababa
“If you don’t know Christ you don’t know what you’re missing.”
🎧 Listen To Podcast 🎧
