Defining servant leaders as bellwethers would
By Rick Dana Barlow
Whether in the revenue/profit-driven corporate world or in the mission-driven healthcare world we hear and learn a lot about the concept of "servant leadership." But in healthcare, just as it is with the phrase, "clinically driven supply chain," the definition of servant leadership can and may vary for a variety of reasons that are linked to background, culture, location, management style and even training.
How do those in the Bellwether Community define the concept?
"Servant leadership is about selflessly serving others, prioritizing the team first, acting in the best interest of others, growing, inspiring and developing the next generation of leaders because they are inspired to lead. It's about giving opportunities, mentoring and guiding. A servant leader is your biggest fan, your champion, your support and your guide that may let you fail to learn but never let you give up — they grow you, push you to an untapped potential, elevate and believe in you."
Amanda Chawla, FACHE, CMRP, Chief Supply Chain Officer and Vice President, Stanford Medicine, Bronze Sustaining Sponsor
"We lead the efforts to be the care giver to the caregivers."
Charlie Miceli, C.P.M., Bellwether Class of 2023, Vice President, Network Chief Supply Chain Officer, University of Vermont Health Network
"Servant Leadership means that if you meet the customer where they are, and you do the right thing, you don't have to worry about sales. It means doing the right thing when no one is looking. It means doing the right thing when you could get away with not doing the right thing. It means putting yourself in that person's shoes and understanding where they are coming from."
Rand Ballard, Chief Customer Officer, Vizient, Founding Sustaining Sponsor
"There has been so much published regarding 'servant leadership' that it is difficult to truly know what my 'own' words would be. However, my favorite statement is that 'Servant leadership is when the leader's primary focus is on serving others and meeting their needs, rather than on achieving personal power or success.' All the characteristics a servant leader demonstrates ultimately come down to one primary philosophy — the 'others' rather than 'oneself.'"
Jane Pleasants, Bellwether Class of 2015, Executive Director, SMI
In the context of healthcare, 'servant leadership' denotes serving those in our communities that create stronger and healthier communities. A servant leader is sensitive to this purpose and provides the direct support of others to meet this higher-level cause beyond their own personal needs and desires."
Tom Lubotsky, Bellwether Class of 2022, Vice President, Supply Chain, Allina Health, Bronze Sustaining Sponsor
"The leader's priority is to ensure the success of their team. Their primary role is to support/advocate/break down obstacles for those that work for them — truly ensure they have the tools and equipment to successfully do their job. The leader takes the 'fall' when something goes wrong and genuinely believes that a miss/error was possibly the result of the leader not setting the team up for success, and therefore what can the leader learn from this and do different the next time. When something goes right, that recognition is due to the team/those who did the work — not the leader taking credit."
Erik Walerius, Future Famers Class of 2016, Chief Supply Chain Officer, UW Medicine
"In our industry it's to focus on the patient. Focus on the long-term health of your company and not taking short cuts that are self-serving or easy."
Maria Hames, Partner, HealthCare Links, Event Sponsor
"I believe there is a natural inclination towards servant leaders in the healthcare supply chain — with 'acts of service'-minded individuals drawn to this industry. All you have to do is visit a children's hospital, speak to caregivers and patients and aim to walk in their shoes for just a moment to truly understand just how vital our role and mission is. We're working every day to make sure providers and patients have the products and services they need to receive quality care and live the healthiest lives possible. We care deeply about this mission, and I try to remind myself of it daily."
David Hargraves, Senior Vice President (retired), Supply Chain Services, Premier, Founding Sustaining Sponsor