Throughout my career, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to spend what I would call “high-quality time” with some truly exceptional leaders. These individuals, each with their own unique leadership styles, have shaped the way I approach my work and the people I’ve been privileged to lead. I’ve had the opportunity to observe them in a variety of situations – when things were going well, during challenges and while supporting other colleagues. Watching how they navigated these moments to create positive change has given me a toolkit of leadership strategies that I’ve relied on countless times.
There hasn’t been a single day in my career where I haven’t thought of a leader I’ve worked with and felt grateful for the lessons they taught me. Often, I’ll ask myself, “How would one of my mentors handle this situation?” or “What would they do here?” These reflections help me make better decisions, not just for myself, but for the people I lead.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that leadership isn’t just about what you do – it’s about who you need to be in a given moment. Every leader wakes up with a to-do list, but there’s also a “to-be” list. Do I need to be supportive today? Directive? Collaborative? Understanding who I need to be in a particular situation helps me guide my team toward the results we need to better serve our patients, colleagues and communities.
Humility is another lesson I carry with me. I’ll never forget when Dr. Robert Waller, the former CEO of Mayo Clinic, approached me as a first-year resident to ask for my assistance. He could have simply told me what to do, but instead, he asked with genuine humility and respect. That experience left a lasting impression on me about the kind of leader I want to be when interacting with my team.
Finally, I’ve learned the importance of saying “yes” to opportunities. Early in my career, I answered a bulletin board ad in medical school that led me to ophthalmology, and ultimately to meeting some of my greatest mentors. Scanning for and embracing opportunities can lead to outcomes that are not only positive, but life changing.
Leadership is a journey, and I’ve been blessed to walk alongside remarkable people who’ve shown me the way. Their lessons on adaptability and humility continue to guide me as I strive to be the best leader I can for my team and the communities we are privileged to serve at Essentia Health.
Dr. David Herman is the CEO of Essentia Health.
