Over the last two months, I have experienced the worst health problems of my life from unexpected back surgery, complications from the surgery, weeks of pain, and a further several day hospitalization. I have experienced some depression with the question of “Why me?” And yet, I have learned so much. I have spent the last several years exploring leadership, management, organizational development, and the oh so importance of connections and collaboration. I have needed to understand how I have put my faith in others from the exceedingly stable 50 years of love from my wife and family. Over the past two months, they have supported me, loved me, and helped me through my turmoil. I have learned to respect and trust all those around me who have kept our activities and relationships going and protect me on the days that I have not been able to protect myself. The skills and expertise of my fellow public health workers on the planet cannot be underestimated. My professional friends have kept me in their hearts and texted and called me on each day of my tortuous journey.
It is all about the relationships in our lives. It is about our trust and faith in each other and our willingness to make changes in order to improve the lives of our fellow citizens. The two most important words in our language is “Thank You.” The greatest lesson for me is to avoid complicating what we do. The basic human skills are the most important. Our leadership skills are about being good servants of the public’s trust, doing our jobs in the most effective manner, respecting our colleagues and resolving our conflicts in trusting ways. We can have diversity in our views but use our differences to build new levels of understanding in the ways that we can work together more effectively and efficiently. Our battles are not over. Fighting for the future of our Nation and the necessary priorities related to improved health and quality of life in a shrinking economic environment provides challengers but also innovative and creative solutions. Progress requires constant change, continuous quality improvement, testing new approaches, and working towards improved health outcomes through more effective performance of our programs and activities.
We will find new partnerships as well as new ways to connect and collaborate. We cannot lose our basic skills but must improve them and make them stronger. The secret is in our communities and our ability to make our ideas work on a foundation of trust and respect for others. It is true that it is important to stop and smell the roses and see all the wonderful connections that your life makes on each morning.
Rowitz On Leadership 