Business Leader Donn Sorensen Says Structure is Crucial, Even While Working From Home
Published in St. Louis County News | April, 29, 2020
Many organizations have had to adapt quickly to still provide effective services and be of value to the community while numerous key personnel are working remotely.
Balancing home and personal life with work life offers a unique set of challenges that can hinder productivity, and leadership can help by establishing effective processes.
Health care executive Donn Sorensen says providing a sound organizational structure, even while working via teleconferencing is crucial. The quality of people’s work experience, which will influence the quality of their lives, is tied to the quality of the structure their leader provides. He let us in on some of the principles he’s learned and developed into his own leadership roles over the course of his more than 30-year career.
“One way is to define goals and make sure the entire team is working toward those same goals. If you don’t have a good structure in place, your employees will be without direction, goals and accomplishments,” Sorensen said. “Are your employees happy because you have the right policies, protocols and procedures? Does the community support and embrace you? If you answer yes to these questions, you are probably on the right track.”
When asked how leaders can project or “sell” a new structure to the team, Sorensen said, “Be confident, always enthusiastic, compassionate and empathetic. Believe in what you are doing, and do it now. Once you’ve provided the proper framework, your people will be happier, and business will improve.”
Sorensen’s book, “Big Hearted Leadership: Five Keys to Create Success Through Compassion,” goes into more detail concerning the art of balance, and how finding that magic mix can make for a more satisfying career, a happy, fulfilled life – and a successful and profitable organization.
Sorensen is a Fellow of the American College of Medical Practice Executives and a former board chair for the American Medical Group Association. For more information on “Big-Hearted Leadership,” visit donnsorensen.com.
