Building a medical business from scratch in just 16 weeks amid an unprecedented pandemic and the resulting supply chain disruptions, especially in the medical supply industry, was an immensely challenging task. Each day brought unforeseen crises, with no established best practices to rely on. Through perseverance and adaptability, we discovered a set of core principles that proved instrumental in overcoming these hurdles and ultimately achieving success.

Empower. Coach. Protect.

As a leader, your most crucial duties revolve around three key actions: empowering, coaching, and protecting your team.

• Empowering your team means giving them the confidence and tools to take charge and make decisions. Encourage their ideas and let them take on challenges.

• As a coach, guide and support each team member to enhance their skills and reach their full potential. Be there to offer advice and encouragement along the way.

• Protect your team. Yes, you need to protect them by ensuring a safe and positive work environment. You also need to protect their time, their ideas, and their “plate.” A good leader understands the importance of shielding their team from unfounded or speculative worries that arise in other areas of the organization. Instead, they provide their team with clear and relevant updates while maintaining a sense of stability and focus.

Through “Empower. Coach. Protect.” a leader can create a trusting and supportive environment, allowing their team to stay focused on their tasks and goals without being overwhelmed by uncertainties beyond their control.

Nothing is Impossible

In the world of management and leadership, a powerful belief to hold onto is that nothing is truly impossible. While some things may be impractical, unnecessary, inadvisable, or unaffordable, they are not beyond our reach. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, great leaders see them as opportunities to find innovative solutions. They embrace a can-do attitude and inspire their teams to think outside the box. By encouraging creativity, perseverance, and teamwork, they turn seemingly impossible tasks into achievable goals. Remember, with determination and the right approach, even the most difficult challenges can be overcome.

Sometimes you have to play the hand you’re dealt. Sometimes you can reshuffle.

Sometimes, we face tough situations we can't control, just like the cards we get dealt. Good leaders handle these challenges with determination and creativity, making the best of what they have. But there are also times when we can change things, like reshuffling the cards. Great leaders know when to take risks and find new ways to improve the situation. So, in leadership, you have to know when to make the most of what you have and when to make bold moves to create a better future.

Decide Despite Ambiguity…

Making the best decision possible at a given moment with the available information is a fundamental principle of effective leadership. In a world filled with complexity and uncertainty, leaders often find themselves facing situations where complete clarity is not possible. However, a good leader does not let this ambiguity paralyze them or their team. Instead, they gather the relevant facts, consult with experts, and consider different perspectives to arrive at the most informed decision possible.

Allowing ambiguity to cause inaction is a dangerous pitfall for leaders. When leaders become overly cautious or indecisive due to the fear of making the wrong choice, they risk missing valuable opportunities or failing to address critical issues. In a rapidly changing environment, hesitation can lead to missed chances for growth or innovation. It can also erode the trust and confidence of the team, as they look to their leader for guidance and direction.

...Don’t Let Current Problems Obfuscate Future Complications

Even in the face of ambiguity and with only partial information, keeping the future in mind is imperative when making decisions as a leader. While it may be tempting to focus solely on the present circumstances, effective leaders understand that their choices can have far-reaching consequences. By envisioning potential outcomes and considering the long-term impact of their decisions, they can navigate uncertainty with greater foresight. Embracing this forward-thinking approach allows leaders to position their teams and organizations for success, preparing them to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world. It instills a sense of purpose and direction, guiding decision-making toward sustainable and resilient solutions that align with the organization's vision and goals.