Public Health Intersection

This past weekend marked my two year anniversary as PHFEs’ CEO so I’m trying to take that “big step back” and reflect on where we were when I started and where I expected us to be after two years.

Because it’s the way I am, (which I blame on the work ethic instilled by my mother and my late wife’s focus on constantly trying to do better as a couple, as parents, etc), I expected to have much more accomplished after two years.

However, it’s also important to look at what we have been able to accomplish in a relatively short period of time.

When the board selected me as PHFE’s new CEO I had visions of making immediate dramatic and positive changes in PHFE’s visibility, activities and culture.

Upon review, I think two out of three ain’t bad, (forgive or enjoy the Meatloaf lyrical reference).

The organization has embraced and made great strides in establishing a more transparent and supportive culture as well as improving accountability and consistency across all of our activities.

The one area I feel we haven’t made as much progress on is becoming more visible as an enterprise nationally.

But even there we’ve redesigned and deployed a new website, established a regular newsletter and blog and taken steps to increase PHFE’s speaking and presentation schedule which are tangible steps toward increasing our visibility.

So on one hand, I can look back, with some satisfaction, at the successes accomplished over a relatively short period of time and marvel at our progress.

On the other hand, there is so much more to do.

I have also learned that leadership is about sharing dreams and expectations with the people you work with, because while I may be the leader, the enterprise moves best when everyone is rowing in the same direction.

I know the classic dyad is you lead and others follow, but here at PHFE it is really sometimes lead and sometimes row as many times others are leading on what must to be done to move us forward.

So today I think I’ll focus on what’s yet to be done and tomorrow I’ll reflect on the successes and smile.