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In this week's article:
Meet Mitch Matthews of Health Projects Center! Learn about Mitch's:
💡 Triage solution for prioritizing problems based on urgency
📈Approach to leading a rapidly-growing team
💪Advice about the importance of standing up for others
First, a few metrics:
Time as Associate Director at Health Projects Center: 8 years
Total management experience: 15 years
Currently managing: 5 direct reports and 60 total employees
Mitch's leadership style:
How do you get ready for the day?
I like to get some kind of exercise before the work day begins. It helps me clear my head and give me energy throughout the day.
How do you approach problem-solving?
I first look at what appears to be the root of the problem then gauge its urgency, triage. Once the urgency is resolved, I'll see who and what will be affected by the decisions I'll make. Next, I'll incorporate the key players' points of view and any contributing information. After evaluating the potential options, I'll bring the choices to the players and see if there is any further input, make a decision and commit to it.
What's an example of a challenge you're facing right now?
We are experiencing significant growth right now. It's challenging to go from a small, close knit, group of employees to a larger more spread-out company. We also have transitioned to a mostly remote workforce and there are challenges to keep employees involved with day-to-day activities and maintaining a sense of community in the workplace.
How do you motivate your team to perform well?
Create engagement. Allow the team to take risks and not be afraid to fail.
Who are your leadership role models?
Dr. Paul Farmer, a physician in Haiti that took on treating TB, HIV and host of poverty driven diseases. He never gave up hope or stopped working to make things better for as many as he could help in Haiti. A book about him "Mountains beyond Mountains".
What advice would you give someone new to leadership?
Listen to your subordinates and go to mat for them every chance you get.
What's a particular anecdote that stands out in your career?
I had worked under a new leader of a larger organization and he had created a fear based method of leadership. Many people quit and others were pitched against each other. I feel I could have done more to stand up for those that were being mistreated, hence my previous comment.
Is there someone you'd like us to feature in an upcoming edition of Day in the Life of a Leader? Contact us below and let us know!
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