I had opportunity to hear four respected leaders from different RWHC membership hospitals speak at our recent Emerging Leaders program. They were prompted to share their leadership lessons and advice to developing leaders. What they offered were truly PEARLS OF WISDOM of which we all need reminding. They allowed me permission to share these jewels with you. Which of these resonate with you most?
PEARL #1 – Approach Leadership with the mindset of “The Staff are My Patients”
Offered by Lance Ritola, the Director of Nursing with Tamarack Health
Much like clinical approach to care, it’s important for leaders to check in daily to assess the current and evolving needs of the “patient” (i.e., the employees). Consider the service we offer in response to seeing things from their perspective. That paradigm shift helps us meet them where they are, right now, in this moment. Understand the pain points, make available necessary resources and guidance, and provide clear direction about expectations of actions that will help improve their condition (Echoing the quote, “Clear is kind” by Brené Brown from Dare to Lead).
PEARL #2 – The Team is What Gives You This Job
Shared by Victoria Roop, Laboratory Manager at Door County Medical Center
Remind yourself routinely that it’s the team you’re serving. Without them, your role would not be needed. Show the value they bring by willingly sharing the credit for their contributions, inviting and using their ideas as experts of the process, and being clear about your intentions (explain the why and how decisions are made). Recognize that it’s this team—and the relationships you build both within your direct team and across the teams of the organization—that proves the worth of your role as a leader.
PEARL #3 – Energy is Contagious…and…Don’t Expect Yourself from Other People
Given by Bethany Clemenson, Director of Education with Spooner Health
The energy you bring to your role is contagious. How you show up matters. Others are watching and are following your lead, even if you don’t realize it. The stories we tell ourselves—accurate or misguided—will influence our actions. Leadership then requires a tremendous amount of self-awareness, humility, and vulnerability. Possessing those skills, in turn, breeds tremendous amounts of trust with your team.
Knowing yourself first and seeking to understand the individuality of others allows us to adapt our approach in effective ways as we seek to work together. We must not be frustrated or disappointed when others behave differently than we might (don’t expect yourself from other people). They ARE different and will have their own perspective. See them for who they are. Instead of seeking ‘right’ or ‘wrong,’ lead with curiosity to explore the unique viewpoints of others.
PEARL #4 – Make Sure Your Presence is Not a Novelty
Shared by Jen Hinkel, the Director of Ancillary Services at Western Wisconsin Health
One of the best things you can do as a leader is to simply be present. Make your presence so routine that employees don’t even bat an eye as you walk through their work area. Set up intentional and common rounding with each person on your team to open the door for their input and feedback. Get to know them. This promotes the type of relationship that grows comfort to bring the tough stuff forward and keeps secrets from hiding in the shadows. When concerns do arise, go to the source, ask the questions, and listen to understand before making any final assessments. If you’ve built the trusting relationship through regular touch points, people won’t be intimidated by your presence and will share unguarded thoughts and information so better decisions can be made.
I am so grateful to know our member hospitals are served by such courageous, servant-minded leaders. If you bump into Lance, Victoria, Bethany, or Jen, be sure to pat them on the back. I know I thank them for taking the time to share their pearls with the Emerging Leader group. Thank also THEIR leaders for putting them in their positions to be great leaders for others.
_________
“Wisdom is not the product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.” – Albert Einstein
_________
Consider these workshops & programs by RWHC to broaden the leadership skills of individuals on your teams who are still developing them:
- Emerging Leaders: Preparation for Tomorrow’s Future Leaders
- Stepping into Supervision: Finding Your Way in the Move to Management & Leadership
- Preceptor Training Program and Preceptor 2.0
- Leadership Residency
- Lean Residency
- Nursing Supervision Boot Camp
- Servant Leadership: Committing to Being of Service as a Leader
To learn more, visit: https://www.rwhc.com/Services/Educational-Services/Leadership-Series or email me at csearles@rwhc.com.
Consider joining our Leadership Bites program: https://www.rwhc.com/Services/Educational-Services/Leadership-Bites
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
 |
Corrie Searles, MPT, Leadership Development Educator
In Corrie’s role as Leadership Development Educator at the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative (RWHC), her aim is to empower leaders—formal and informal—to create positive influence that enables others to serve well.
|