Advocating for the Vulnerable: Upholding Core Values in Healthcare and Education
Submitted by Maureen Kroning, RN EdD
Tags: educating ethical standards healthcare leadership leadership
I am incredibly proud of those who work in healthcare and education who exemplify what it means to lead with empathy and purpose. These individuals dedicate their lives to improving the well-being of others, ensuring that patients receive the highest level of care and that students have access to the knowledge and opportunities they need to thrive. In healthcare, employees work tirelessly to support their teams, make patient-centered decisions, and advocate for policies that enhance care quality and accessibility. Their ability to listen, adapt, and collaborate ensures better health outcomes and a stronger, more resilient healthcare system. In education, educators inspire and guide the next generation, fostering inclusive environments where every student can learn and succeed. Their commitment to fairness, critical thinking, and innovation helps shape a brighter future for all. True leadership in these fields is about more than managing resources or implementing policies it is about supporting and inspiring those who come to work each day to touch lives, build trust, and drive meaningful change. We celebrate these employees and the leaders who work every day to create a better world for those they serve.
Being a True Leader
Is Being a true leader is not just a title, a position of authority, or a means to exert control. It is a responsibility, a commitment to serving others with integrity, respect, and compassion. Having experience in both acute care hospital settings and academia, I have come to understand that leadership demands listening, empathy, effective communication, and a steadfast dedication to the well-being of others. A true leader listens. They take the time to understand the concerns and needs of those they serve. They foster an environment of open communication, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. They do not make hasty decisions based on incomplete information, nor do they allow personal biases to cloud their judgment. A true leader shows compassion. They recognize that those they lead are human beings with struggles, aspirations, and personal challenges. They support and uplift, rather than degrade or dismiss. Their focus is on problem-solving and creating an inclusive atmosphere that encourages growth and collaboration. A true leader demonstrates empathy. They put themselves in others' shoes, seeking to understand different perspectives before taking action. They do not alienate or dehumanize those with whom they disagree. Instead, they work toward constructive dialogue and collective solutions. A true leader communicates effectively. They do not manipulate facts, distort reality, or spread misinformation to further their own agenda. They are honest, transparent, and accountable for their words and actions.
What Great Leaders Will Not Do
Great leaders do not judge or assess a situation without gathering all the facts. They do not make rash decisions that can harm individuals, or entire communities and even adversely affect countries around the world. Great leaders do not engage in gossip or personal attacks on their employees, their families, or anyone's appearance, personality, or personal choices. They respect diversity and do not discriminate based on race, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. Great leaders do not isolate themselves from collaboration or reject partnerships that could lead to meaningful progress. They do not abandon true friends or allies who have helped them along the way. Instead, they embrace working together to achieve goals that benefit the greater good.
Leadership in Contrast
In contrast, history has shown us what ineffective, toxic leadership looks like. We have seen individuals in positions of power who have acted recklessly, prioritizing personal interests over the needs of the people. Leaders who have used divisive rhetoric, spread falsehoods, and neglected the basic tenets of empathy, fairness, and accountability have left a trail of damage that takes years to repair. In times like this we need leaders to speak out and to advocate for those that cannot. We need to think about the unintentional consequences that decisions have. The Path Forward In both healthcare and education, true leadership embodies service over self-interest, building bridges instead of walls, and leading with integrity. Advocates in these fields play a crucial role in ensuring that individuals' voices, wishes, and preferences are heard, their rights are upheld, and their needs are met, particularly when they have difficulty speaking up for themselves. By upholding these core values, leaders inspire those around them to collaborate and strive for a future that benefits everyone, not just the privileged few. This commitment to advocacy and integrity is essential for creating inclusive and equitable systems in both healthcare and education.