Two seasoned healthcare executives have dinner, and an idea emerges over coffee. A practical leadership guide designed for busy leaders who find themselves sandwiched between strategic vision and day-to-day operations.
I was one of the healthcare executives having dinner that night. I bore witness to the hunger within today’s leaders for something more that they can digest and use to lead forward through the complexity of challenges and issues.
A subsequent lunch will be held, and ideas of the concepts will be discussed. As the conversation unfolds, one of the attendees grabs a napkin and starts to draw. A detailed sketch of Florence Nightingale walking through a healthcare setting is on one side. On the other side, a small dap of mustard symbolizes the unique blend of leadership styles needed in today’s environment.
Picture it — a compact tool that fits neatly in a pocket or rests unobtrusively on a desk corner, ready to serve up bite-sized leadership lessons.
These lessons unfold through stories that capture the realities and unexpected twists of healthcare leadership. While some characters, situations and locations have been fictionalized or modified for creative purposes, the stories are inspired by actual events.
Unpacking the stories
- Stories with a side of insights: The stories are peppered with insights — those “aha” moments that can be applied in other situations. Considering the nuances and the hidden gems within the stories. These insights aren’t just food for thought; they nourish growth.
- Discussion questions: Open-ended questions at the end of each story to prompt dialogue and even controversy among the team. One line of thinking or style rarely fits all regarding successful leadership. Think of the questions as seasoning — adding depth and flavor to team conversations.
- Pick-and-choose lessons: Busy leaders don’t always have a lot of time for personal development. The Leadership Sandwich crafts an array of different stories from which leaders can pick and choose from what speaks to them as they thumb through the pages. Consult the book when needed, savor a story during a coffee break, or digest it collaboratively with the team. The choice is at the fingertips of a leader.
Navigating the sections
- Personal development: Explore topics like self-awareness, resilience and the art of getting “unstuck.” Have you ever felt trapped in the need to be “right?” Feeling stuck is like being a wilted piece of lettuce next to a stale piece of cheese.
- Team dynamics: Vulnerability isn’t a weakness — it’s an avenue for connection. Discover how seeking help and extending grace can transform a team’s dynamics.
- Organizational growth: Like a well-balanced sandwich, organizations thrive when all layers align. Dive into strategies that foster innovation, promote accountability and create harmonious workspaces.
Robert McAfee Brown said, “Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today.” The stories of “The Leadership Sandwich” aspire to do just that: put new ideas in the minds of the readers. Those who will be the crafters of the stories of the future.
The Leadership Sandwich now available on Amazon.
From the Authors: As you journey through these pages, keep your tastebuds alert. Your own “aha” moments await against the backdrop of your unique context. So, grab your sandwich and bon appetite!
Martie L. Moore, MAOM, RN, CPHQ, is the President/CEO of M2WL Consulting. She has been an executive healthcare leader for more than 20 years. She has served on advisory boards for the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel, American Nurses Association, Dean’s Advisory Board at the University of Central Florida College of Nursing and Sigma, International Honor Society for Nursing. She was honored by Saint Martin’s University with an honorary doctorate degree for her service and accomplishments in advancing healthcare.
The opinions expressed in McKnight’s Long-Term Care News guest submissions are the author’s and are not necessarily those of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News or its editors.
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