Principles of Front-Line Leadership – The Journal of Healthcare Contracting

By Dan Nielsen

I recently had the honor and privilege to interview, Chris Van Gorder, who is the President and CEO of Scripps Health – one of America’s most prestigious health systems.

After the interview was over and the lights and cameras had been turned off, Van Gorder handed me an autographed copy of his excellent book, The Front-Line Leader: Building a High-Performance Organization from the Ground Up. He also handed me a 5 x 7 card on which were printed “The Ten Principles of Front-Line Leadership.”

The card beautifully summarizes some of the most important principles and concepts contained in The Front-Line Leader, and provides excellent food for thought – and action – for all leaders. The principles are as follows:

Tell your stories. Openly share your experiences.
Fill the information gap. When people have the same information, they reach similar conclusions.
Connect with your people. You can’t be effective as a distant boss.
Be “situationally” aware. Actively seek to know and understand.
Take care of the “me” first. Provide for your employees. Give them the freedom to put others first.
It’s an all or nothing deal. Responsibility and authority must come with accountability.
Leave no one behind. Protect and serve your people by being their greatest advocate.
Bring your mission to life. Genuine, heartfelt actions speak louder than words.
Always ask, “what if?” Think long term and big picture.
Lead courageously and decisively. Challenge your organization to move past what’s comfortable.

As stated in the previous article, I highly recommend that you read, carefully study, and purposefully implement and execute the excellent suggestions, strategies, tactics, and leadership concepts shared throughout this book. Without question, this book offers superb short and long-term value for all leaders, including all healthcare leaders, regardless of title or position within an organization.

Read, study, and implement that which is most relevant to you and your organization. You will undoubtedly achieve greater personal, professional, and organizational success!