As the CEO and Chief Vision Officer of Above the Grind Leadership, I am personally committed to supporting leaders and organizations around the globe. Our mission is to help organizations strengthen the PRACTICE of leadership so they can improve profitability and reduce employee turnover.

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What is the Practice of Leadership?

The practice of leadership, much like the practice of medicine, is rooted in a commitment to ongoing learning, skill enhancement, and adaptation. Both fields demand a high level of expertise, continuous education, and the ability to respond adeptly to new challenges. As a registered nurse early in my career, I quickly learned that mastering the craft of healthcare was a continual journey, not just a destination reached at the end of schooling. This understanding deepened as I transitioned to roles of greater responsibility, culminating in my position as a hospital CEO. The imperative of practice—repetitive, reflective, and disciplined—has been a guiding principle.

In many organizations, however, a significant gap exists in how leadership is cultivated. Too often, leadership is approached with an “assumptive” mindset: it is assumed that naturally talented individuals will automatically excel in leadership roles without additional support or training. This approach is akin to expecting someone to perform surgery merely because they are a brilliant scientist. Such assumptions overlook the necessity of deliberate practice and growth in leadership as in medicine. Just as medical professionals must continuously update their knowledge and refine their skills to provide the best care, leaders must continually develop their capabilities to guide their teams effectively, enhance profitability, and reduce employee turnover. When practiced diligently and thoughtfully, leadership transforms good intentions into great achievements.