In the healthcare industry, the employee and patient experience are interwoven. A happy and productive workforce leads to better patient outcomes, which is why it's so important for leaders in the healthcare industry to prioritize their employees. But how can leaders ensure that they are putting their employees first? The answer is simple: humility.
Our co-host, Bo Brabo, emphasized the importance of humility in leadership in a recent episode of the podcast with guest Tim Juergensen, Chief Employee Experience Officer at Covenant Health. He recounted a personal experience where he was shut down by a middle manager for sharing his thoughts in a meeting regarding a certain activity. However, Bo was fortunate to have a boss who intervened and allowed him to speak, teaching him that everyone has a valuable perspective to offer. This lesson stayed with Bo throughout his career, and he emphasizes the importance of staff members being given a voice.
Tim shares similar sentiments. He believes that humility is a crucial trait for leaders to possess, as it allows them to recognize that they don't have all the answers. By encouraging employees to share their ideas and perspectives, leaders can gain valuable insights that they may not have otherwise considered. Tim acknowledges that he couldn't lead without the support of his team, who are his mentors and from whom he learns every day.
But why is it so important to give employees a voice in the first place? The answer lies in the transferable skills that employees bring to their roles. Bo notes that musicians possess valuable traits and characteristics that can be useful outside of their original field. He relates the discipline necessary to become a professional musician to the skills needed to succeed in other professions.
Similarly, Tim believes that the diverse range of experiences and backgrounds that employees bring to the table can be incredibly valuable. When employees feel that their ideas and perspectives are being heard and valued, they are more likely to be engaged in their work and committed to the organization's mission. By prioritizing the well-being of employees, leaders can create a workplace culture that fosters creativity, innovation and success.
But how can leaders create an environment that encourages employees to speak up and share their thoughts? The answer is communication. Co-Host Luke Carignan suggests that leaders should regularly communicate with their employees and ask for feedback on a variety of issues, from workplace culture to the tools and resources employees need to succeed. By initiating these conversations, leaders can demonstrate that they truly value their employees' opinions and perspectives. In addition to communication, there are several other steps that leaders can take to create a culture that encourages employees to speak-up.
For example, leaders can recognize and reward employees who speak up and offer valuable insights. This can be done through formal recognition programs or a simple "thank you" for a job well done. Leaders can also create opportunities for employees to collaborate on projects and work together to solve problems. By doing so, employees are given the chance to showcase their skills and share their perspectives. By prioritizing employees and giving them a voice, leaders can create a culture of mutual respect and trust. When employees feel that their ideas and perspectives are valued, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work.
This is especially important in the healthcare industry, where the employee and patient experience are so closely intertwined. In conclusion, humility is a crucial trait for leaders to possess. By recognizing that they don't have all the answers and encouraging employees to share their ideas and perspectives, leaders can create a workplace culture that fosters creativity and success.
Communication, recognition and collaboration are just a few of the tools that leaders can use to prioritize their employees and give them a voice. When employees feel valued and heard, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work, which ultimately leads to better patient outcomes.
The Bo & Luke Show Team