EMS Leadership, Not a Rank, an Attitude Christopher E. Way, BA, Paramedic Chief, Kootenai County EMS System Spokane County EMS Definition lead er ship /ˈlidәrˌʃɪp/ Show Spelled [lee-der-ship] Show IPA noun 1. the position or function of a leader, a person who guides or directs a group: He managed to maintain his leadership of the party despite heavy opposition. Synonyms: administration, management, directorship, control, governorship, stewardship, hegemony. 2. ability to lead: As early as sixth grade she displayed remarkable leadership potential. Synonyms: authoritativeness, influence, command, effectiveness; sway, clout. 3. an act or instance of leading; guidance; direction: They prospered under his strong leadership. 4. the leaders of a group: The union leadership agreed to arbitrate. Simple Test Ask yourself if you are an EMS leader Ask yourself if you have seniority and the expectations that come with that Ask yourself if you hold a position of management with in your EMS organization If you answered yes. If you answered no because you are JUST a(an). Encouragement Ideas - Expectations 1
Management and Leadership Management focuses on processes, procedures and the realities of running an EMS organization Leadership focuses on helping people attain a vision or goal larger than themselves Leadership vs. Management Bosses Drives Employees Depends on Authority Inspires Fear Says, I Places Blame for the Breakdown Knows how it is Done Uses People Takes Credit Commands Says, GO Leaders Coaches Them On Good Will Generates Enthusiasm Says, WE Fixes the Breakdown Shows how it is Done Develops People Gives Credit Asks Says, LET S GO Quotes 2
Organizational Mission Every leader MUST know the core values and mission of their organization Every leader MUST ensure that these core values and mission are a priority and carried out This can not be part-time, when convenient or when being watched Leadership Key Words Passion Organizational Awareness Empathy Influence Attitude Development Language Trust Vulnerability Learning Communication Passion Without passion there is a lack of leadership Must have a positive energy Fire in your belly If you don t have passion, find other work "Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you." --Oprah Winfrey 3
Organizational Awareness Focus on the core values and mission Appreciate the culture which you live/work Know our role, official and unofficial Know what drives the people around you Empathy Be sensitive Be interested in what other bring to the organization Influence Engage people, people like to be liked Support people, they will support you Influence does not come with a hammer 4
Attitude Be positive, even when you do not want to Always Hire For It It is infectious Bosses always know It isn't what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it. Dale Carnegie Development Invest time and effort in to the right people Challenge people Offer tools, expertise, feedback and support Language Leaders use positive language Leaders use team focused words Know the language for which you do 5
Trust Others must trust you You must trust others Trust is the key to ANY relationship It s OK to be vulnerable Vulnerability Occasionally you have to fall down You don t have to have all of the answers, just know smart people Lifelong process Learning You have got to love to learn See one, do one, teach one 6
Open communication is number one employee satisfier Communication Evaluate all and the best methods for your organization Failure is not an option You Want to be a Leader? Don t ask, show Start small Be humble Do it for the right reasons Be confident, not cocky Be just as interested in the process Failure is OK BE PASSIONATE Learn from others (disciplines) Huge Lessons in Life People turn towards positive energy Leadership is multi-generational It is not about being right, the best, the bravest or most experienced 7
Conclusion No matter the size of system you work in leadership from all levels is important. This is what allows what we do to work. If we only depend on managers, not leaders, imagine how many calls would go unanswered, patients not taken care of and our mission not complete! Leadership Authors John Maxwell Peter Drucker Jim Collins Patrick Lencioni Norman Schwarzkopf Colin Powell Great Coaches Other Great Thoughts 8
Final Quote A Leader is One Who Knows the Way, Goes the Way, And Shows the Way Special thanks to Sheila Crow Stitchin Dreams Embroidery wcsocrow@yahoo.com For providing our Secret Question prize Questions? Contact: Michelle Ensminger 509-242-4264 1-866-630-4033 ensminm@inhs.org Fax: 509-232-8344 9
Updates Please EMS Live@Nite presentation, all certificates will be printed by participants or their agency. The certificate template will be available through the health training website at the same location as all presentation downloads. It will be posted the day after each monthly presentation. 10