We’ve asked Top Talent, “How do you define leadership?”

We’ve asked Top Talent, “How do you define leadership?”

For the past 20 years I've had the pleasure of speaking with top talent in C-Suite. I liked teasing them by calling them the “captain of their ship”. I asked them, "what defines leadership?" Each of them gave me their various opinions. However, one of them stood out to me.?

Here is John’s perspective.?

John M: “I’ve learned about leadership when I was a young supervisor. I learned from the various managers who came in and those who went out of our department. One particular manager said “John, it’s all about your team, the people who make your ship run. Leadership is always in demand and may have nothing to do with managing people.” He went on to say, “Leadership establishes direction, developing a vision, motivating and inspiring others to be the best that they can be.”?

In reality he practiced just what he preached, and I can attest to it because I was one of his subordinates. I found his leadership style enticing and very motivating. He knew how & when to initiate change that enabled our organization to remain competitive and profitable while providing customers with innovative high-quality services.?

I took his advice with me and practiced it throughout the years. I’ve improved my management style and was able to create an effective team of people. I began speaking to everyone under me from house cleaning to my administrative team. Everyone. I learned what they did, what could be improved, and told them never to be afraid to approach me. They are just as important as my administrative team. Once I gathered information on each employee, I made a plan to implement a vision for each division. I created recognition and encouraged ideas. I rewarded them with a little above average pay and offered attractive bonus incentives. It became a win…win scenarios for all involved and as a leader it ensured me that my team is committed to me and company goals. My ship was sailing smoothly. We made record profits for the past 5 years while I was there.?

So, John, what is the moral to this incredible story??

John M: “My moral to this story is I invest in my people, and I get my “Return on Investment.”?You place company profits and savings above people and quality of service, you fail. Simple as that”?

His keys to successful leadership are:?

·????????Strategic thinking.

·????????Delegation.

·????????Communication.

·????????Integrity.

·????????Empathy.

·????????Flexibility.

·????????Enthusiasm.

·????????& Appreciation.?

After speaking with John, he gave me a better insight into what his next employer was about to have in their possession. It’s been about two years since I’ve had that conversation with John. We recently reconnected and he is happy to report he is very happy with his present hospital system. They are making a profit and most of their departments are fully staffed!?

I’ve also learned how to assess good leaders for our clients by utilizing his key points in defining a good leader.

In the end, I’ve learned from John, that investing in people of all levels in life makes the world and company run effectively, profitable and happy.

Continuous Quality Improvement Executive Search (CQI) is a nationwide healthcare recruitment firm spcializing in C-Suite and Hospital Leadership permanent roles since 1997. Let us help you discover top talent!