Be Inspired By Others - A Revisit of the Lessons

In just over a dozen hours from this posting my family and I will return to the happiest place on earth.  The last time we were all there (the youngest still developing within my wife) we not only vacationed but undertook a family-based athletic endeavor.  The experience taught me a lot not only as it related to athletics but also suggested some thoughts about leadership.

So here is a replay of what went through my mind over three years ago as I/we took on a goofy challenge...

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Just over two weeks ago my family and I did something goofy.  Over a period of two days we experienced the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend in Orlando.  Our soon to be 3 year old daughter competed in the 100 metre dash, our 12 year old daughter competed in the Mickey Mile, and my wife and I completed the Goofy Challenge - a half marathon on Saturday followed by a full marathon on Sunday.  What does any of this have to do with leadership?  Well perhaps it is a bit of a stretch, but I saw more than a little similarity between how my three girls raced and how we as leaders can be energized by those around us. 

Right off the top I have to say the performance of my three girls inspired me!  Each of them overcame their own personal challenges to finish their races.  My wife completed the two day athletic event while 18 weeks pregnant.  My 12 year old overcame her self doubts and disability to finish in a personal best time.  My youngest completed her race while still dancing to the beat of her own drummer.  Like myself, none of them won their race or finished on the podium.  However, they demonstrated tremendous character, spirit and a love of simply being in the day that reminded me of how I need to view my athletic pursuits - be glad for the ability to run (or bike or swim), to learn about myself, and to continuously improve. 



As leaders in small or large organizations we are often expected to be THE source of inspiration and direction for the rest of our staff.  That's what everyone expects of us and it is what we expect of ourselves.  Most dedicated and committed leaders have this need to be "on" all the time, establishing the strategic directions for the organization, planning initiatives to realize the directions, and motivating others to achieve the ends the organization has set.  Frequently, however, our staff can serve to inspire or reinvigorate our leadership.  As leaders we can often get caught up in grand strategies or crisis management.  We can be pulled in many directions.  We can easily lose sight of the real reason we are "in the race".  The distance between our management offices and the frontline can often make it harder to focus on making the experience of our clients the best that it possibly can be.  Yet each day many of our staff are making their very best efforts towards this very end despite the challenges they face.  Like my girls competing in their races, our staff don't have the luxury of dictating the ideal terms under which they will do their jobs.  They come to work anyway.  And the very best of our staff "compete" to the best of their ability and "cross the finish line" with a smile on their face.  They have kept their promise to their clients and to their profession to do the best they can on that day - and they will be back tomorrow for the next race.

I'm sure that most people are familiar with the concept of Management by Walking Around.  The concept is usually associated with making sure leadership is visible, informed, and can otherwise serve to motivate staff and keep everyone on track.  The leader is watching.  However, there is even more value from the MBWA exercise - keeping the leader in touch with the core work of the organization.  In the field of health care this can be critically important when considering the impact of major decisions on frontline staff and services.  Just as important, it can be challenging to keep a leader's energy at peak level with the challenges facing health care these days.  An opportunity to connect with the frontline can provide a regular boost of energy and inspiration to keep a leader motivated.  There are many inspiring people in our organizations who can continue to show us why we choose health care as our calling.  It's an opportunity too great to be missed.

Take the time to be inspired by those around you.
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Greg Hadubiak, MHSA, FACHE, CEC, PCC
TEC Canada Chair/Executive Coach/Senior Consultant
hadubiak@wmc.ca

Helping leaders realize their strengths and enabling organizations to achieve their potential through the application of my leadership experience and coaching skills. I act as a point of leverage for my clients. I AM their Force Multiplier.