Leading by Example

Someone recently asked me, “what is the first thing you think about when you walk into the hospital each morning?” For me, that’s a no brainer. The answer is my team. 

Each morning, the item on the top of my mental to do list is what can I do to better support my team. How can I encourage them and provide them with all they need to deliver at a high level both professionally and personally? The reality is that if my team is taken care of, then I am confident our patients are well taken care of, and our organization is moving full speed ahead.

In order to develop and maintain a highly effective team, it is critical to both inspire and engage them on an ongoing basis. As a leader, there is a whole host of ways to do this, but here are a some of the tactics I have found to be most effective:

• Walk a mile in their shoes: Spend part of the day shadowing teammates. Not only will you get a ground level view as to how your organization “really” runs, but you will have greater appreciation and insight into who they are and their commitment to the organization. More importantly, it will allow you the opportunity to build a meaningful connection with them.
• Break down the wall: Be visible and accessible. Whether it is buying a team member a cup of coffee in the cafeteria or walking through the office on Monday to check in and swap stories about your weekends, letting your team get to know you outside the conference room is critical to success. 
• Walk the walk and talk the talk: Be upfront and honest with your team. Share your successes and failures with them. Let them know you are all facing the same challenges and opportunities, and they will be more willing to jump on board and do whatever it takes for the organization.
• Have their backs: Developing a level of trust with your team is one of the most important things you can do. If you want to build loyalty, you must demonstrate loyalty. The most effective way to do this is by supporting them and showing them that you have their backs. If you have theirs, they will have yours. 

Your organization will run, and run well, with a team that is engaged and inspired to work hard each day. As the head of the organization, you set the tone and are the one who they look to for support and guidance. If they know you, trust you and believe that you have their best interests at heart, they will follow you anywhere you lead.