LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS

As readers of this monthly leadership insight, we vary in years of experience, age, and approaches. We bring diverse viewpoints to the definition of good leadership—what WE think it means to be a great leader. I’m challenging all of us to look at leadership from a different perspective. Instead of seeing it through our own eyes, considering what benefit we bring to those we support, let’s get curious: what do those we serve NEED from our leadership?

January marks the beginning of a new walk for me as I now offer this monthly reflection.  I’m attempting to fill the big shoes of one of my most cherished mentors—Jo Anne Preston, who taught me so very much about myself and about what true leadership looks like.  Realistically I know I’ll never fill her shoes, as I’m simply not like her, despite my desire to be.  Instead, I’m working on walking ever steadier in my own shoes.  Over the past 23 years of my own leadership journey, even that ha...

This is my last leadership blog post* as I come to what I’ve been calling my “graduation” instead of retirement the end of this month. After a 44-year career that was more than I could have hoped for, it seems like a good time to make my closing argument for how to be a great leader.

When we merge cultures—be it two large corporations, two small departments combining, or even a physical move to a shared workspace with a new group of people—there are common fears as well as opportunities. The fears are natural. As we address our fears one by one, it helps to remind ourselves to see the opportunities that are there. When we join with others in new ways, it is an opportunity to expand our connections, and connection is what gives us influence as leaders.

AI has reached a tipping point, it seems. What was until recently “out there somewhere” is now infiltrating my daily work. It is interesting to see this change process in real time and observe the reactions that arise from it. As we confront our adaptation to AI, consider these organizational change tips for whatever change you are going through.

In the midst of the current record-breaking heat wave, we are reminded that heat and stress are cozy bedfellows. Both require self- management. If you have found yourself getting steamed up over work challenges, constant change, staff shortages, politics, etc., take a breather here and work on bringing down your stress temperature.

Do some of your employees feel like they are in it? When empathy erodes, teamwork suffers. If your department has fallen into the blame game, it might be time to facilitate some dialogue. Sit people down together. Consider tenets that you need to establish, or expectations that you could clarify. Make your case, and then follow up with the facilitation questions and prompts for discussion to mend strained working relationships.

Healthcare professionals may still be those we most trust, but that trust “account” has taken a hit the last several years. We all know the reasons why. Healthcare leaders, you go first when it comes to repairing that all-important relationship with your community. Any action you take must begin with the end in mind: trusted, caring relationships.

A common challenge in healthcare is getting people to do tasks that are important to you but not as urgent to the individuals you need it from. When you hold yourself to a high standard of accountability, your stress may build when others don’t share that same standard. How do you move past frustration to get people to do what they are supposed to do, when they don’t necessarily want to do it?

I admire runners! The runners I know and love are passionate about it, committed, disciplined, hard-working, goal-oriented, and focused; some of the same qualities that make great leaders. Even with commitment, those 26.2 long miles can’t be easy. There must be moments of discouragement as they think about how far there is yet to go. My sister-in-law who is training for the Boston Marathon shared this training secret/quote: “Run the mile you’re in.” Brilliant advice also for leaders navigat...