An Executive Leadership Journey

Abstract

Leadership journeys are rarely exactly how you planned and envisioned them. The 1 constant thread, however, is relationship building. Leaders, in fact, are only as good as their relationships, no matter a person’s title, stage in life, or moment in time. Within these relationships, it is key to understand the importance of timing and how best to get buy-in. Throughout the lifetime of a leadership career, it is critical to hold your mission close. It might not make decisions easier but will make them clearer. At the end of the day, all you truly have is your integrity. Keep it close. Leadership journeys are rarely exactly how you planned and envisioned them. The 1 constant thread, however, is relationship building. Leaders, in fact, are only as good as their relationships, no matter a person’s title, stage in life, or moment in time. Within these relationships, it is key to understand the importance of timing and how best to get buy-in. Throughout the lifetime of a leadership career, it is critical to hold your mission close. It might not make decisions easier but will make them clearer. At the end of the day, all you truly have is your integrity. Keep it close. Karen Cox, PhD, RN, FACHE, FAAN, is president of Chamberlain University in Downers Grove, Illinois, and president of the American Academy of Nursing in Washington, DC. She can be reached at [email protected] Dr. Cox is V. Fred Burry, MD, and Sandra Hobart in Nursing Advocacy and Leadership Chair Emeritus at Children's Mercy Kansas City in Kansas City, Missouri.