Retired, Former COO - Aurora Health Care

How do you define leadership, and how do you embody those qualities in your own life?
Countless books and articles have been written about leadership; my reflections will be based on my personal experiences. I believe leadership is an ongoing, everyday effort within your workplace, community or family.

I strongly believe that one can “lead from any chair” as Ben Zander notes in his book The Art of Possibility” Leadership does not require a title or a position of authority. It simply requires being present, being optimistic and forward thinking, being trustworthy, doing what you say you are going to
do, caring about the issue and people impacted and showing up
In the most authentic way possible. And it includes never asking anyone to do something that you wouldn’t do yourself.

Leadership also requires recognizing strategic moments, whether in strategy, conversation or real time, and not letting those moments pass.

How do you pay it forward and support the next generation of leaders?
Many doors have been opened for me, and I try to do the same for others.

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