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Jayhawks in leadership positions are everywhere you look, including through the Jayhawk Career Network. KU Alumni, in partnership with SumnerOne, is highlighting Jayhawk leaders who are models for others in their industries with our “Copy the Leader” program.
What do you do in your work?
I help organizations activate high-performing people and teams to achieve business objectives. Organizing people, creating the best leaders, and developing an engaged workforce within healthcare.
What are the qualities of a good leader?
Good leaders get good results from their teams. Great leaders exceed the expected results with their team. Leaders should aim for great and inspire the team for the same. Being results-driven through a constant balancing of curiosity, clear communication, emotional intelligence, data-driven decision making, transparency, continuous learning, and accountability. None of this is possible without people. In my case, healthcare is a human touch business. We must build success through the people on the team. Purposefully developing each person.
How do you practice leadership at your job?
I am a collaborator because healthcare is a team sport. From my early days in clinical care and fire/EMS service, I learned that achieving our objectives requires a high-performing team. As I moved into leadership roles, I grew to appreciate the importance of human connection. Sharing our stories reveals our “why” and fosters authentic, respectful relationships. Our interactions should include both formal and informal moments, as informal visits with colleagues can lead to valuable insights. I invest in my growth and the development of my colleagues, helping us excel in our current roles and prepare for the future.
What makes a team or group successful?
Success begins with a well-defined, unified mission that everyone understands and embraces. Each team member knows their role and responsibilities, has the necessary tools, and follows a clear process to execute effectively. This mission is supported by a set of values and a culture that guides our approach. Key cultural elements include open communication, accountability, adaptability, recognition, and constructive feedback.
I was deeply influenced by a previous role where we lived four guiding values that continue to shape my approach:
Spirit of Generosity: Serve others beyond expectations and with appreciation.
Force of Insight: Transform inspired ideas into pathways to excellent performance.
Power of Language: Communicate effectively.
Run to Criticism: Actively seek feedback to drive continuous improvement.
How can leaders in your industry help their organizations adapt to change?
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It’s an essential competency to embrace and lead in environments of change. Our actions and words must match, modeling our expectations. Key elements leaders should include 1) focus efforts to deliver on customer expectations, 2) manage from a growth lens, 3) take care of yourself and your team, 4) drive a positive culture, and 5) build and nurture your network.