Leadership: In-Depth Interview

Laurisa Jackson

On Saturday, October 26th, I had the pleasure to join Laurisa Jackson, Vice President, Finance, at the Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, on a Zoom call to discuss leadership.

I had the privilege to ask her numerous questions. The takeaways that I was able to obtain throughout this call will forever be memorable and implemented in future leadership opportunities that I gain.

What It Takes to Be a Leader

The two key takeaways that Jackson discussed on how individuals can become great leaders were, (1) relationships, and (2) communication. Jackson states, “You cannot be an effective leader until people trust you.” She elaborates, “They won’t trust you, until they know you.” This goes to show that employers cannot sit behind their computer screens all day. They must get to know their employees, not only as workers, but as human beings. Leadership goes far beyond completing job descriptions. It includes connecting with those around you to form relationships, that way teams can be that much more successful together.

Aside from building critical relationships, leaders must also effectively communicate. When Jackson discussed the importance of communication, she was not only talking about communication on the leaders end, but also actively listening when the communication is coming from other employees. Jackson talks about active listening by putting the phone down, maintaining eye contact, and being present while others are talking. One quote that I admire from Jackson was, “Every voice has value.” Sometimes leaders take for granted what their employees feedback can help develop for the company atmosphere. More than that, it is important to note that individuals want to be heard. As Jackson elaborated, “People are more opt to come forward with their concerns if you have a good relationship with them.” If employees believe that they will truly be listened to and that their leaders will help them, they will continue bringing their voice to the table. Be the leader that makes people feel that their voice deserves to be heard.

Industry vs. Leadership

During our Zoom call, I asked Jackson if she felt the healthcare field impacts the way leaders have to act. She responded, “Absolutely not… It doesn’t matter if you’re in the healthcare field, or manufacturing, or whatever industry you’re in, leadership and leadership behaviors transcend that.” She goes into further detail to explain how people do not need a title to be a leader, but to be a leader, people need to demonstrate those consistent behaviors of building relationships and communicating. Jackson also justifies that leaders do not just emerge in the workforce; they are everywhere. There are leaders on sports teams and in classrooms. Leaders appear in various stages of life. Individuals do not need to be a certain age to start leading.

Leadership Advice

As Jackson described, “Nobody should assume anything.” Everyone has their own story, and it is important to remember that. Communication will lead to better built relationships, which then leads to an unspoken drive in community. “People are more opt to build great things with great relationships,” Jackson states. It takes everyone in an organization to fully develop a well-structured flow. People need one another to place their strengths in the areas where others have weaknesses. Everyone at a company has something to bring to the table, and leaders need to be able to identify where those skills will be best reflected.

I asked Jackson what she thought the most important skill is to have, in order to run a team. I will never forget her response. She expressed, “Do not look at it as running a team. A boss runs a team. A leader motivates and helps people achieve their goals… Not every boss is a leader.” I could not have shaped a more perfect response. Specifically looking at the statement, “Not every boss is a leader,” I feel that could not be more true. I have seen teams thrive in an organization under such motivating leaders, and I have also seen teams fall apart in that same organization – from my opinion – all because of the leadership style that was brought upon them.

Leaders make a difference in companies. Be the company that hires motivators, leaders, communicators, and not the company that hires – simply put – just a boss.

Change the World Through Leadership!

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