Inside The Edge
About
The Executive Chair
The one question you always want to ask a successful person in a senior leadership role is “How did you get there?” In developing your own career, you learn more from hearing what worked – and didn’t work – from senior leaders and hearing their wisdom than from any other source.
We are embarking on a series of interviews with leaders who exemplify success for us. In their words are insights that can give you direction for moving your own career forward.
To read a summary, written by Michael DeVenney, of the past 12 interviews this year - click here.
| Mary Lee - Entitlement is Something You Have to Earn |
Bluteau DeVenney and Company (BDCO): What did you do to move to a leadership role?Mary Lee (ML) It was a combination of both education and experience that led me to where I am today. I began by obtaining a Diploma of Nursing in Newfoundland. Shortly after graduating from nursing school I knew that I wanted to further my education in health care. Getting a strong education was important to me, and I also loved to travel, so I made a conscious effort to combine the two. I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Dalhousie, a Management Diploma in Germany, and a Masters Degree in New Zealand. I then spent a couple of years in both Australia and Calgary, working toward my PhD. I think the combination of my education, work experience, and traveling helped to expand my thinking and provided me with the qualifications to explore many different roles, rather than limit myself to one specific function. (BDCO): What is one thing that developing professionals need to do more of?(ML): You need to put yourself out there and take risks. If you don't have faith in yourself and believe in your organization's vision, you are never going to be able to move forward and reach that vision. (BDCO): What about doing less of?(ML): Have less of a sense of entitlement. To be successful, you need to be prepared to put in the hours of hard work. You can't expect to automatically get that entitlement because you have certain qualifications, you still have to earn it. (BDCO): What experience helped you the most in your career and why?My international experience has helped me in many ways. It has not only taught me a lot, but has helped me build character. Having those experiences shows people that you aren't afraid of change and that you are willing and open to try new things. With every move, I took on a more senior leadership role. Aside from that experience, I would have to say that I am thankful for one person in particular who gave me a break and took a chance on me. No matter how hard you work or how much education you have, somebody still has to have faith and give you a chance to prove yourself. I am reminded of that every time I am looking to fill a position in our organization. I keep in mind that, as a leader, I need to try to recognize those individuals who have the potential and ability to be very successful in the organization, and I need to have that same faith to take a chance on them. (BDCO): What was the greatest challenge moving your career forward?(ML): Molding my own personality and drive to fit that of a leader. Getting the education and the experience was hard work, but it wasn't the greatest challenge. I am a very driven and determined person, which can be a great characteristic in some leadership situations, but can also be less helpful when working with the people side of leadership. Over the years I have learned, and am still learning, how to manage and apply that drive, but of course, there is always more to learn about your own personal leadership style and how you convey that leadership to others. (BDCO): What is the greatest strength of your approach to leadership?(ML): I love what I do and I am visionary. I think not getting caught up in the day to day minutiae and being able to move forward is my greatest strength. I am able to look ahead and focus on the goal. Some days are harder than others, and I may get a little beaten up along the way, but my drive is still there. (BDCO): What is the greatest benefit to you in attaining a senior leadership role?(ML): The learning experience. I have learned so much about myself. There are many challenges along the way that require a great deal of self reflection, and through this I have gained self awareness that I never had in other roles. (BDCO)What is the biggest challenge you face in achieveing results in your work?(ML): We are a member driven organization, so our members are our stakeholders and therefore need to direct where they want us to go. That is a challenge in a CEO position, because there are members coming at you from all directions with needs they would like addressed. Keeping everyone's interests in mind is often a challenge when trying to make decisions and moving initiatives forward. (BDCO): What is your greatest opportunity/goal for providing value for your organization?(ML): Improving the relationships we have with our stakeholders at the senior level, for example, the other CEOs of the district health authorities, LTC facilities and senior government officials. We have a good relationships now, but I think my biggest opportunity is enhancing that relationship and showing them that we are a "can do" organization. (BDCO): What added support or capability would help you most in delivering on your goals?(ML): We have a great team of directors, but we do not have a funded Vice President role within the organization, which I often think would be very beneficial. Unfortunately, being a member-driven organization in an environment where funding is often limited, we are not in the position to fund that role at this time, but I do think having someone there as a right hand person to bounce ideas off and help move initiatives forward would be very helpful. Think about where you are now in your career and what you can take from Mary's observations. We would love to hear your comments about what are your key takeaways from our conversation with Mary. Tell us your progress – we want you to succeed. ______________________________________________________________
Health Association Nova Scotia (HANS) is a member-driven association of organizations committed to the health and well-being of Nova Scotians. Established in 1960, they have grown to offer a variety of services to 121 members across the province. You can find out more about Health Association of Nova Scotia at www.healthassociation.ns.ca. |
