Hello!
Welcome to the September/October 2008 issue of THE PATHFINDER.
First of all, let me thank all of the attendees at our presentation at the Ohio Council for Home Care conference September 11-12 in Sandusky OH. What a great audience! The question and answer period was lively and we all learned from one another. All of us from Beth Carpenter and Associates hope that we gave you the information and resources necessary to continue your services successfully under the new hospice regulations.
I spent the day outside today. It is one of those wonderful autumn day where the sun is shining and the air crisp. A great day for walking...and as I walked this morning I thought about several conversations I've had recently with senior managers of both home care and hospice companies on the traits of successful leaders.
We all agree that managing people isn't easy. Managing a business in a challenging regulatory environment and in this difficult economic time isn't easy. So why do some organizations sail through rough water ...while others sink?
Let me share with you some of my thoughts.
Successful organizations are not an accident. Great organizations are led by great leaders. There are many articles and books that discuss the skills of a leader versus the actions of a manager. Some people think great leaders are born not made. Others believe that hard work and self assessment develops great leaders.
I figure that, on the practical side, you can't lead if no one follows you! So how do you get people to follow you? Great leaders have a vision that they clearly communicate in order to develop a clear sense of purpose for the organization and measurable goals for those who will actually bring the organization forward.
So leaders have a vision, are excellent communicators and are able to translate their vision into actionable steps for organizational movement.
But wait! There's more! Leaders must have integrity, the integration of outward actions with inward values. Integrity inspires trust. Without the trust of your associates, you cannot lead.
And the last quality I think is very important is courage. Courage is not always mentioned in listing the qualities of great leaders. Great leaders must have the courage to make decisions and to act decisively. They move your organizations forward and create excitement and enthusiasm for the journey.
I have been thinking about integrity and courage a lot lately as I work with organizations struggling with change. I have also been reading a lot on leadership trait topics in the literature. I'd like to share with you an article I recently read that I feel really addresses the qualities of integrity and courage.
So on this beautiful autumn day I wish all of you the opportunity to take a long walk, listening to the leaves crunching beneath your feet and celebrating the glorious colors of the leaves He has made.
If we can provide you with any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Best wishes, Beth Carpenter
“Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that the power to work is a blessing, that the love of work is success.” David O. McKay |
