Leadership Manifesto

A Leadership Manifesto is a descriptive and prescriptive personal decision-making guide and framework, anchoring leaders in their best selves and priorities to develop a lasting legacy.

  • I believe in the triune God and the God-breathed Word, which guides my life and work. My beliefs may be
    divergent from others’, which should not change the way I provide care. Yet, my work and actions should be
    different in many ways, reflecting foundational Christian principles that undergird my life.
  • I believe as a leader, I am the ultimate example for my team. I must role model the way.
  • I believe that in healthcare, everything comes down to and revolves around people. Every. Thing. I must
    remember that with each decision.
  • I believe frontline team members are the largest source of solutions to current problems.
  • I believe professionals are adults and should be treated as such.
  • I believe in radical transparency. When team members know the vision, objectives, barriers, and all the data, they
    can ask meaningful questions, strengthen accountability, generate worthy ideas, and effect change.
  • I believe that while difficult to develop and maintain, diversity is vital to the health of a team, an organization, and
    the final service or product.
  • I believe failure is not final; we should recognize it and learn from it rather than fear and avoid it. Failure is a natural
    part of innovation. If we’re not failing, we’re not innovating.
  • I believe the majority of people want control over their work, clear expectations, and room to autonomously shake
    the world.
  • I believe I must give the same opportunities and lessons to those around me that others have graciously and
    generously given me.
  • I believe excellence is a habit, not a single act, and it can be taught and learned.
  • I believe saying thank you never gets old, and we can never say it enough. Gratitude changes our hearts, minds,
    and the environment.
  • I believe curiosity and inquiry are welcome aspects to any organization.
  • I believe the work environment should be so amazing that people are banging down the doors and waiting on
    lists for the opportunity to join the team.
  • I believe continuous learning is a requirement, not an option.
  • I believe collaboration is worth the effort.
joni watson - manifesto