Journal of Sacred Work

 Pete Handwork was the high school friend everyone wanted to have. Jovial, smart, and humble, he was a natural leader whose upbeat energy was contagious. His subsequent successful career as an appellate court judge was no surprise.

   Schoolmate, Howard, was the opposite. A good student, his almost genetic downbeat worldview doomed him. Sadly, I later heard that "Howdy" was homeless.   

   In kindergarten we notice if kids are upbeat, downbeat or "different drummers." My candidate for "different drummer" was Cindy, an early "hippie" marching to another beat. (I also worked to fit in but was, truly, a different drummer." 

   Shockingly, societies, in general, and hospitals in particular are dramatically impacted by a handful of "mood leaders." World energy was better under unifiers like Presidents Roosevelt, Reagan and Clinton and worse under Hoover and Trump. 

   Across fifty years I have seen the profound impact of a hospital CEO's "mood." The downbeat types drain energy. The upbeat energize culture.

   Examples are up-beaters like George Mikitarian (top picture) at Parrish Medical Center and Jake Erickson at Bingham Memorial. CEO Chris York has, in under a year, already energized the culture of Dallas' giant Presbyterian Hospital.

   Upbeat leaders attract upbeat staff. George's great team includes dynamic Vice President, Natalie Sellers (bottom picture), who has gotten so good she may, under George's guidance, rise to CEO-ship herself.

   What about "different drummer" leaders? These innovators attack the status quo (e.g., the RLC approach.) The Mayo Brothers  developed a different model for healthcare that became so effective that Mayo is routinely ranked tops.

   Culture determines behavior and leaders determine culture. No one wants a pollyanna. We all want upbeat or "different drummer" types. The problem? Both groups are rare. 

   If you are a leader, I offer a New Years's Invitation: If you raised your energy even higher how would it affect the mood music of thousands?

-Erie Chapman