Dear Brian,
After 32…read moreyears as a business executive and 20 years as a master executive coach, I've worked with hundreds of teams--some good, some struggling, and a rare few that shine so brightly they become the gold standard.
I didn't expect to find one of those rare teams while wearing a hospital gown.
During my almost four-week stay at Skagit Valley Hospital--especially in these very trying times--I experienced what can only be described as a Master Class in both personal and clinical patient care. Every single day, from the first to the last, I felt the presence of something you can't fake: a culture of trust, respect, and excellence.
From housekeeping to dietary services, from CNAs and nurses to doctors and specialists, every member of your team not only performed their role with skill, but infused it with genuine kindness, attentiveness, and heart. What I experienced was seamless, coordinated care--delivered with humanity. Too many people to list each staff member I encountered, A special shout out to Dr. Wood, Dr, Goodman, and Dr. Sharma.
In my work, I often use Patrick Lencioni's The Five Dysfunctions of a Team as a roadmap for building high-performing organizations:
Trust - the bedrock of any great team
Healthy Conflict - honest, constructive dialogue
Commitment - unity around shared decisions and goals
Accountability - holding each other to the highest standards
Results - collective success above all else
Most organizations can manage the first one or two. Rarely do I see all five fully alive. Yet here, in every department, every shift, I watched them in action--consistently.
This was more than healthcare. It was the embodiment of what's possible when people are aligned in purpose, values, and mission.
I would love your permission to do something special to honor the people who made this possible. Additionally, I would like to create a feature story about this experience to share the extraordinary culture and teamwork I witnessed--inside and outside the hospital walls. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this and explore ways to make it meaningful for your team.
Thank you, Brian, for leading a hospital culture that not only heals bodies but lifts spirits and restores faith in what a truly great team can achieve.
With deep gratitude,
Eileen M. Terry
ETC Consulting LLC
etrw@aol.com
360-320-7096