Leadership

My Story

A leadership philosophy should 'tell a story' that culminates in answering the question:  'Why you do what you do'.

My story includes many different people that influenced me and my behavior.  Fortunately for me, the individuals that have had a positive impact far outnumber those who have had a negative. 

My Analysis

Consistent and honest introspection will result in growing pains.  The below is a summary of this recent evaluation.  It is a SWOT analysis where I look at two internal characteristics and two external pressures. 

Strengths (Internally focused)

1.    Model the Way- setting the example for others

2.    Able to keep things in perspective:  "No One is Going to Die!".

3.    Family support in my endeavors.

4.    Several mentors to keep me internally in check (priorities in order).

5.    History of publishing/writing, and will use that to publish two products from Army-Baylor.

6.    Turbulence since 2001 has created reslience within me and my family. 

Weaknesses (Internally focused)

1.    Inspire a Shared Vision- must be able to internalize a larger vision.

2.    Geographical Bachelor (separated from family).

3.    Inability to listen to others (not just hear people).

4.    Micromanage people and their assigned tasks.

5.    Prone to mis-use quantitative measures for evaluation with very little qualitative influence.

6.    Lack of clarity in issuing guidance and tasks.

Opportunities (Externally focused)

1.    Civilian experience (resilience)    

2.    Change!

3.    Residency at Cleveland Clinic- learn and take advantage of this great opportunity.

4.    Use Army-Baylor feedback to improve my ability to refine my leadership skills.

        a.    Trust people to do their tasks

        b.    Use metrics properly effectively

Threats (Externally focused)

1.    Encourage the Heart- respond to emotions of staff and be able to act appropriately

2.    Future is unknown

3.    Turbulence of recent moves with family over 2-4 years. (Separation from family)

4.    Tension and pressure placed my priorities:  (Faith, Family, Career, Friends).  Must keep these in balance.

5.    Change!

                                                                    Date: 10 April 2014

(Retrieved from http://www.nickschweitzer.net/CategoryView,category,Demotivators,2.aspx)

Up front, my leadership philosophy is grounded firmly in the Bible and it teachings.  My philosophy can be seen in my ethical decision making methods that strongly emphasizes a Deontological framework where the ends do NOT always justify the means.  However, I must also take into consider the Utilitarian theory that sometimes the means DO justify the ends.  It is not always black-and white. 

An tried and true example of leadership are those leaders who get up from their desks and get their hands dirty.  They visit the troops in the field, visit the nurse's station during third shift, and they talk with patients and meet with families.  In my opinion, this must be done 'without the handlers'.  No secretaries, no assistants, no help.  

(retrieved from http://www.artofmanliness.com/2009/07/05/motivational-posters-george-s-patton-edition/)

The leader of an organization sets the tone for the staff.  It is the bedrock of how the sum of the parts (employees) will work together to achieve the mission of the organization.