We spent some time with Dave Lightening, Director of Warehouse and Logistics, to discuss the valuable leadership skills he has developed during his 30-year career in distribution, warehouse and logistics. Dave reflects on the significance of building connections, a positive team attitude and working towards a shared vision to ensure his team give 100% every day and make a difference to our patients’ lives.
3 Quotes to lead by...
1. IT’S ALL ABOUT CONNECTIVITY
‘If you can talk to people and actually say, look what is it that we got wrong? have a conversation… all it takes is one phone call to start to build that connection and once they know that you’re there to help or you’ve resolved their issue really quickly, guess what, they pick up the phone and they call you.’
Q. When did you last reach out to another member of the trust by phone rather than email? What key connections do your team share within UHB?
2. A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
‘The team I’ve got now, the attitude is it can be done, we might not be quite sure how it’s going to be done at this moment but it can be done.’
Q. How can you foster a positive/can-do attitude within your team?
3. REMEMBER YOUR PURPOSE
‘I say to the guys consistently, every single day, what our teams do helps people, changes people’s lives and to some extent saves people’s lives… and for my team to be able to see that means that they’ll give 100% every day.’
Q. Are you regularly praising your team for the difference they are making to our patients’ lives? When did you last sit down with your team to discuss your shared visions and strategic plans?
External Resources
Creating Connections. The subtle leadership skill that makes a huge difference
How to Develop a Positive Attitude in the Workplace
Why is Purpose so Important for Your Team?
