Leading in a dynamic industry

The dynamic industry of health care requires thoughtful leaders who aren't afraid to evolve in their environments.

"Adaptive leadership has been vitally important for me to face external challenges while affixing to servant leadership as means to empower the bourgeoning leaders and professionals we partner with at Northwest Specialty Hospital," said Chris Gregg, executive director of human resources for the Post Falls hospital. "Add a dash of self-reflection, a pinch of shedding one’s ego, and there you have it."

Gregg shared a piece of wisdom for those wanting to know the secret to successful leadership: Build healthy and authentic relationships.

"One’s ability to succeed as a leader starts with building rapport and trust in a team environment," Gregg said. "Not one person is successful in a vacuum and one’s success should be measured by impact on the empowerment and collaboration with fellow professionals."

A challenge of leading people, Gregg said, is the time investment.

"We are all striving to build quality work relationships, to inspire, to motivate, to communicate well, to be a quality role model and on," he said. "External pressures, deadlines and a changing work force don’t afford bundles of time to find our way as leaders."

He said leadership qualities start well before a title is granted.

"While gaining that sweet promotion can validate one’s investment of effort, work ethic and the like, the depth and breadth of leadership is about action, influence and service," Gregg said. "A strong professional will display these qualities along the way, among colleagues, and before a new bundle of business cards needs ordering."

Northwest Specialty Hospital stands by its mission of being a physician-owned and operated health care organization committed to providing the highest quality health care to all in a caring, compassionate and professional environment.

Its vision is to be recognized as a leader in providing world-class medical care, an outstanding patient experience and uncompromised patient safety.

Excellence, professionalism, integrity, compassion and teamwork are woven into Northwest Specialty Hospital's values.

Gregg said while most organizations have missions, visions and value statements, Northwest uses them as lenses to focus on what matters most — putting patients first.

"We can only achieve these goals as leaders as we strive to get better, model expertise, work together, stand firm for good and empathize with each interaction with a patient, colleague, or community member," he said. "Northwest Specialty Hospital continues to be the place I want to harness my leadership energies."