A leadership lesson that has remained with me was inspired by a child’s artwork.

Years ago, I worked under a leader who was extremely detail oriented. She held high standards, which is commendable. However, she often missed the forest for the trees, or, more fittingly, the sundae for the cherry.

Across several projects, our team worked hard. We met tight deadlines, solved complex problems and implemented creative solutions. However, the feedback we received would zero in on something small: a typo buried deep in a report, a formatting issue on a slide, a single missed data point. Recognition would come, but only after the critique. And by then, the moment had passed.

When feedback continually focuses only on what is wrong, confidence wanes and morale declines. The pride once taken in work is overshadowed by the pressure to be perfect. At the time, I found myself quietly feeling the weight of that dynamic.

Amid all of this, I remember a drawing that hung on a colleague’s wall. It had been drawn by one of her children, a colorful, tall ice cream sundae and a single cherry on top. One day, after yet another round of detail-oriented feedback, I pointed to it and said, “This is what this feels like. There’s a whole sundae and we’re just focusing on the cherry.”

When I left that role, I was surprised by a parting gift. I was given a small, framed copy of that drawing, along with a note that said: Thank you for helping me see the sundae. That moment has stayed with me, not just because I was heard, but because it shifted how I viewed leadership.

I have carried that lesson with me ever since. Whether it was a multi-year strategic plan, an urgent operational fix, or a cultural shift requiring deep trust and patience, I have tried to lead with a broader view. I have learned that while details absolutely matter, people need to know their work matters more.

Leadership isn’t about spotting flaws first but recognizing the full effort, intention and impact, balancing accountability with appreciation. Feedback should inspire growth, not diminish motivation. The most meaningful leadership moments I’ve experienced weren’t big wins but acknowledging hard work that might otherwise be overlooked.

That framed sundae still sits in my office today, as a powerful reminder. In leadership, the cherry matters. But only when you take the time to see the whole sundae.

Theresa Hannu is vice president and chief nursing officer at Aspirus St. Luke’s.