Why Leadership Rounds Matter: Insights from the C-Suite

Leadership is more than just sitting in an office making decisions. Chief Nursing Officers (CNO), alongside our CEOs, CFOs, and other C-Suite executives, there should be a priority to connect directly with both patients and staff through regular leadership rounds. These interactions are not only critical to maintaining a strong organizational culture but also a key strategy in enhancing patient care, employee engagement, and operational success. Here are some outtakes from discussions I have had with executive leaders about rounding and why they do it. I will leave their names and healthcare systems anonymous.

The Power of Leadership Rounds

The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), explains why leadership rounds are at the heart of her leadership approach. “I began leadership rounds as a way to reconnect with the core mission of why we’re here: to provide the best care possible for our patients. But I soon realized that rounding with both patients and staff on a regular basis does more than that. It allows me to truly listen, to identify potential issues before they escalate, and to reinforce our commitment to quality care and staff well-being.”

CEO, emphasizes that leadership rounds have become a critical tool for gathering real-time feedback and ensuring accountability. “I don’t want to be a leader who’s distant from the daily operations or who hears about issues weeks after they’ve affected care. Rounding allows us to keep a pulse on the patient experience and gives us a firsthand look at how our policies and practices are actually impacting care. It’s also an opportunity to recognize staff in real-time for the incredible work they’re doing."

Building Trust and Driving Engagement

Leadership rounds also play an important role in building trust within the organization. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO), points out, “It’s easy to make decisions based on financial reports and data, but the human aspect of healthcare can’t be underestimated. When I round, I’m often talking to nurses, techs, and support staff who may have ideas on how to improve efficiency or where resources are needed most. That’s insight you can’t always get from a spreadsheet. Being visible and approachable during rounds helps build trust with our staff and patients.”

According to the Chief Operations Officer (COO), leadership rounds provide a more holistic view of the hospital's operations. “It’s essential for us to understand the workflows, pain points, and successes happening on the ground. That’s something you can’t always gauge in meetings. Rounding gives me a clearer perspective on how our decisions in the C-Suite impact the day-to-day realities of both our patients and our employees.”

Breaking Down Barriers and Creating Connections

One particularly unique aspect of our leadership rounds is our commitment to fostering personal connections by sharing meals with patients and staff. The CNO describes how this initiative has had a profound effect: “Once a week, I make it a point to sit down and have lunch with a patient. I don’t go in with any agenda other than to listen. The conversations are often illuminating, whether the patient is sharing about their care experience, their life outside the hospital, or just making small talk. It reminds me why I became a nurse in the first place—to care for people, to connect with them. It also helps humanize the executive team in the eyes of the patient.”

The CEO, also incorporates this practice into his week: “I eat lunch with a different employee once a week. It’s an informal way to break down barriers. Whether I’m sitting with someone from environmental services, a nurse, or a team member from the IT department, I get to hear their perspectives on how things are going, their challenges, and their ideas for improvement. It’s amazing how much more open people are when they feel like they’re in a casual, judgment-free zone. And it’s great for morale—we’re not just their bosses; we’re part of the team.”

Improving the Patient Experience and Staff Retention

The benefits of leadership rounds are clear in patient outcomes and staff retention rates. According to the CNO, "Our patients often say they feel more reassured and valued when they see that the leadership is actively engaged in their care. For staff, it’s incredibly motivating to know that their voices are being heard. They’re more likely to stay with the organization when they feel like they have a seat at the table, and leadership rounds offer that opportunity.”

The CFO, adds, “From a financial standpoint, improving patient satisfaction and reducing staff turnover are critical for the long-term health of our hospital. Leadership rounds help us stay ahead of potential issues that could escalate into costly problems. Whether it’s identifying staffing shortages or listening to a patient’s concern before it becomes a formal complaint, these rounds are an invaluable investment.”

Leadership Rounds as a Cornerstone of Success

In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, maintaining a connection between the C-Suite, patients, and frontline staff is more important than ever. Leadership rounds have become a cornerstone of our hospital’s success, improving not only the patient experience but also fostering a culture of transparency, trust, and engagement among our staff.

As the CEO, puts it: “Leadership rounds aren’t just a checkbox on a list of duties. They’re a reflection of our commitment to the people we serve—both patients and staff. If we want to lead effectively, we have to be willing to walk the floors, listen to the concerns, and celebrate the wins happening every day in our hospital.”

At the heart of this initiative is the belief that leadership is not just about making decisions; it’s about making a difference—one round, one conversation, and one meal at a time.

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