Establish a Winning Culture

Thursday was the University of Utah Hospital's LDI2 - Leadership Development Institute. It's a wonderful program that trains the leaders of the institution on ways to be better leaders. It's held quarterly for all supervisors. It was decided some time ago to include the trainers due to our interaction with various departments. I usually feel trepidation all the way into the building (it's held at the Rice Eccles Stadium), but once we get started, I enjoy the experience.

One of the speakers, I was thrilled to discover, was Coach Boylen - coach of the University of Utah men's basketball team. I know little about him but was immediately impressed by his demeanor. We're told that his speach will be posted on YouTube. I vigorously took notes of his speach.

I should preface this by saying that there is a lot of change happening at the University Hospital - more than just construction. As with all business (and life in general) there's always talk of budgets - and we are making a lot of big changes at the University (due to changes in how Medicaid reimburses - which is not worth the explanation right now). So - here's what I noted from his speach:

Changes in culture happens when people or things have failed. When changes are made to any team or business, we need to take ownership of the changes.

His personal philosophy on successful leadership is Six-fold:
1. State of Mind Change
-accountability - we say, "don't coach me, coach that guy" - we resist seeing where WE need improvment. Take personal responsibility.
2. Passion
-have passion for your job. Make it yours, own it. If you're bitching all the time, MOVE ON. Be proud of what you do - no matter what it is.
3. Relationships
-make sure you have a relationship with those you work with. Confront them when things are wrong AND RIGHT
-Texting and e-mails are NOT relationship builders. Talk face to face - have the guts to have the tough conversations.
Do what's right for the team, take your ego out.

*We all want to be in our own comfort zones - it's a losing situation - without exception. We learn on the edge of our comfort zone*

4. Toughness
-mental
-physical
-Be tough enough to handle it when you are wrong - and when you're told you are wrong
-Stay late - come in early. Be tough enough to complete your tasks.
-Be on time to work, meetings, etc.
5. Teamwork
-Team is 1st
-Every one thinks they have entitlement. Entitlement is a dead end. Pride can't make changes and won't help the betterment of anything.
6. Gratitude
Be Grateful & appreciative
Be proud of what is built and be grateful for the chance to do it, be a part of it.
Build it, then take yourself out of it.

*Push people where they can't push themselves*

"Leading by example" is a cop out - SAY IT, DO IT, help people, BUILD IT. Leading by example is passive and a 30's mentality. If you believe in it, say it. Communicate.

Change is not easy - but put petty stuff aside and move forward. Tough days happen and refine who your are. They mean you are going the right way. Tough days are a sign of growth.

The moonlanding: 90% of the time they were off course. Nasa was making constant adjustment in the course - Life is that way. It's okay to lose - there's no shame in losing. Shame is in the lack of willingness to make changes.