Name: Erik Summers

Title: CMO, MD

Organisation: Wake Forest Baptist

Hospitalist for 24 years Led and implemented multiple inpatient projects including implementation of five new Hospitalist groups CMO at Wake Forest for 6 years.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Erik's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

The ability to communicate with all members of the Health Care System to learn as many pearls as possible to help our patients.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

Ever since I was 12, all I ever wanted to do was help people. I think that passion led to a drive to implement and fix processes. I try to be comprehensive in my work, communicate and listen well, and serve people. It matters to me when patients or staff have concerns. If you truly care about your colleagues, they will see that. I think that's how I was given my leadership role.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

In the life if a Chief Medical Officer at a large hospital, there is not a lot of structure. New issues come in every day, and the day is never as I expect. There are a few things I try to do every day, though. 1. Answer every email, phone call, page and question the day it comes in. If someone comes to me with a problem, it is an issue that is important to them. Therefore, I need to respond as soon as I can. I have a 24-hour rule. Answer every correspondence within 24 hours. I may not have an answer in 24 hours, but you will know that I am committed to helping find that answer. I've found my colleagues really appreciate a quick response time (and it keeps my Inbox low). 2. Say something positive to someone in the hospital every day. When you see people do great things, let them know. The greatness of our staff inspires me every day and pushes me to be better. 3. When I go home, I focus on spending time with family and decompressing. While I am always available for calls 24 hours a day, the priority at home is non-medical. That helps me sleep at night.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

How important it is to connect with everyone who works in your institution and listen. When you create an environment where people feel empowered to speak, you will learn from their perspective and you will connect. A colleague reminded me recently of what makes a good meeting. If the leader of the meeting is the only one talking, it's likely not a good meeting. Many brains are better than one. Encourage your colleagues to contribute.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson. You have to know how to have the tough conversations. If you can't communicate when the stakes are high, you can lose credibility. Effective communication with empathy are essential qualities of a successful leader.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

The core of Leadership is your heart. If people see that you are genuine, authentic and you care, you will build trust and foster relationships. Caring is the base on which you build a great leader.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

There was an 8-year boy that came to a hospital years ago. He stood in front of the Men's and Women's bathroom for a long period of time. Hundreds of staff walked by that boy while he stood there, looking despondent. Finally, someone stopped and asked if he needed help.

The boy couldn't read and he was so scared that he would go in the wrong bathroom. That person who stopped not only helped that boy but made sure to build up his spirit. When that boy left the hospital, he was smiling.

The individual who helped that boy developed into a great leader in our organization. "Be faithful in the small things because it is in them that your strength lies."