People often look to their leaders for inspiration and reassurance, especially during uncertain and difficult times. This holds true for Penn Medicine employees and that’s where Lead Strong comes into play. Designed by Penn Medicine Academy, this leadership development series provides new ideas and best practices around leading during challenging times.
One Lead Strong initiative that has gained traction is Lunch with Leaders. These one-hour livestream conversations, facilitated by Cindy Morgan, VP of Organizational Development and Learning, showcase leaders from around the Health System who share their experiences and tips on a variety of topics. “Lunch with Leaders is a safe space where we can come together in dialogue with fellow leaders,” Morgan said. “Being a leader is not for the faint of heart. Support for leadership is critical as they guide their teams in this unique time in history.”
Christopher Miller, MD, director of the Penn Dermatology Oncology Center finds it “validating to learn that I struggle with the same challenges as the speakers and other participants. And it’s empowering to brainstorm solutions in the chat rooms with hundreds of Penn’s leaders.”
Past Lunch with Leaders topics have included engaging remote teams, leading during stressful times and a community dialogue on confronting systemic injustice. Along with past recordings and materials from Lunch with Leaders, the Lead Strong website contains curated leadership articles, resources and weekly tips to help our leaders navigate these unprecedented times and confidently guide their teams.
“I truly believe we all want to be the best leaders we can, and these sessions are not only helpful but inspiring,” remarked Tamara Montroy, associate director of Central Fee Abstraction. “They help motivate me to continue our department’s work and hopefully I am bringing that energy to my team.”
For leaders interested in learning more about Lead Strong and Lunch with Leaders, please visit: https://www.med.upenn.edu/uphscovid19education/lead-strong.html. This fall’s Lunch with Leaders topics will include becoming a more effective, resonant leader and strategic planning for future success.