The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, demanding exceptional leadership from those at the helm. One of the best approaches to leadership I have seen is Servant Leadership. This approach, which emphasizes prioritizing the needs of others, is proving to be highly effective in navigating the unique challenges faced by healthcare organizations.
One may assume that in crisis, restructuring, or turnarounds, financial management takes precedence. While absolutely a powerful tool, it is not enough.
Continuous investment in clients/patients, physicians, and staff are necessary ingredients equally important in good times and hard times. It fosters a culture of collaboration, empathy, and trust, leading to a more engaged workforce, satisfied patients, and stronger relationships with external stakeholders. Maintaining a focus on those priorities is difficult, but the benefits for all kinds of organizations and the communities they serve are undeniable.
As we delve deeper, we’ll explore the essence of servant leadership, its importance during crises, and its potential application beyond the healthcare industry alongside some illustrious examples.
1. The Essence of Servant Leadership in Healthcare
My journey with servant leadership began under the guidance of Joseph Mullany and Erik Wexler, well-known leaders in the industry. They explained and demonstrated to me the importance of prioritizing the needs of others, not as a form of weakness but as a manifestation of a strong and decisive leader with humility and compassion.
True servant leaders go beyond mere words by actively listening to those under their wings, understanding their concerns, and taking concrete actions to address them.
In healthcare, we are accustomed to measuring outcomes such as customer satisfaction through standardized methods like the Press Ganey survey.
But servant leadership goes beyond just improving scores. It’s about forming genuine connections. Leaders like Wright Lassiter III while at Henry Ford Health understood this; his focus on physician satisfaction showed he knew that happy doctors mean better care and financial results.
Healthcare CEOs and their teams serve as leaders not only within their institutions but also within the broader communities they serve. The impact they make transcends the confines of their facilities. Take, for instance, the example set by Michael Dowling at Northwell Health Health. His unwavering commitment to doing what’s right has not only propelled the organization forward but has also fostered its growth and success. This ethos extends beyond mere concern for customers and employees; it encompasses genuine care for the well-being of the entire community.
2. Maintaining Connections During Crisis and Transformation
In times of restructuring, crisis, or financial distress, the significance of servant leadership amplifies. It is essential to uphold strong connections with all stakeholders, ranging from patients and employees to physicians and vendors. Overlooking these relationships can result in dire consequences during challenging periods. Potential outcomes may include a decrease in patient volume, erosion of trust, and a decline in referrals, among other significant impacts.
During such challenging times, managers often grapple with the issue of “limited bandwidth”. Servant leaders must navigate maintaining crucial relationships and priorities while effectively guiding their organization through tumultuous processes. They recognize the significance of nurturing these connections.
One approach is to supplement internal talent with external expertise. Collaborating with seasoned operating executives, particularly those well-versed in the intricacies of healthcare, such as those at Exact Leaders and similar entities, can offer invaluable insights and support. Their specialized knowledge helps alleviate the CEO’s burdens, enabling them to sustain vital relationships with stakeholders while adeptly navigating the complexities of crises and transformations.
3. Beyond Healthcare: Servant Leadership’s Universal Applicability
The health and hospital industries present a unique landscape. Patients, their families, and physicians often feel comfortable reaching out to a CEO and expect prompt and satisfactory responses. Contrastingly, how many of us would readily seek out Tim Cook at Apple to share direct feedback? Leaders in other industries who grasp the concept of “servant leadership,” in my opinion, are positioning their enterprises for a competitive advantage beyond the mere quality of their product or service.
An exemplary instance I’ve observed is Catherine Alix-Renier CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, and their US President Anne-Laure Ritter. Their remarkable level of engagement is paving the way for disproportionate success in an exceedingly crowded and competitive environment.
Craig Jelinek, CEO of Costco Wholesale, demonstrates how Servant Leadership can yield significant benefits across industries. His commitment to employee welfare and customer satisfaction has been instrumental in Costco’s success. Jelinek prioritizes cultivating a culture of respect and empowerment within the organization. Through strategic investment in employees and fostering genuine connections, he has not only enhanced morale and loyalty but also underscored the universal applicability of Servant Leadership principles in driving success in any industry.
I’m certain there are numerous other examples from healthcare and beyond. Feel free to share them with us in the comment section below.
I encourage all leaders, be they from healthcare or any other industry, to consider the transformative potential of servant leadership and its ability to create a thriving healthcare ecosystem that serves holistically the needs of the community.