David (Dave) Nordel, CMSgt, USAF (ret), RN, BSN, MS
Leadership Coach, Consultant; Keynote Motivational Speaker
Military transition expert
CEO of Max Fab Consulting (A Veteran owned proprietorship)
Leadership is a journey of perpetual learning and evolution. As someone who has led large and small organizations, I've learned that imperfections and mistakes are simply part of the process. They arise not from malice but from gaps in knowledge or experience. This understanding has been crucial in my leadership approach, emphasizing that leadership is not just a role but a practice—continuously striving for improvement through courage, critical conversations, self-evaluation, and an unwavering commitment to growth.
This past week, I had the distinct honor of speaking at the Montana Medical Group Management Association’s (MTMGMA) annual conference, aptly themed "From Surviving to Thriving." This theme alone speaks volumes about the progressive mindset of this gathering of healthcare professionals. It reflects a robust understanding of their challenges and a proactive desire to transcend them by embracing change and new methodologies.
The healthcare sector, particularly management, often operates in modes of survival due to the inherent stresses and high stakes of the industry. However, the MTMGMA has recognized something crucial, which is the need for a transformative shift towards thriving. What struck me most about this conference was these leaders; openness to self-diagnosis and embracing external perspectives that might offer insights or nuggets of wisdom to propel them forward.
It's a rare and commendable trait for organizations to look inward and openly seek improvement. This reflective practice is essential, and many organizations must pay more attention to this introspective opportunity. The willingness to let others provide perspective, question the status quo, and seek a new or better "next" sets good organizations apart from great ones. The MTMGMA is evidently on its path to greatness, evidenced by its enthusiastic reception of new ideas and its eagerness to integrate these insights into its practices.
During my sessions, I shared various anecdotes and lessons learned from my leadership experiences. The engagement and thoughtful responses were not just affirming, but they also played a crucial role in the learning process. If there was a valuable nugget in my stories, I am confident this group of motivated professionals will mine it and use it to forge their next practice.
The courage to allow vulnerability in leadership by admitting there are areas to improve is not just a strength, but a beacon of inspiration. MTMGMA's approach—seeking growth, fostering critical discussions, and adopting a theme that champions transformation, exemplifies leadership at its best. This conference was not just a gathering but it was a vivid demonstration of what it means to evolve from surviving to thriving.
This conference not only rocked but also vividly showcased how leadership, when combined with humility, courage, and openness to change, can lead to exceptional growth and improvement. The journey of leadership continues, and like the MTMGMA, we all should aspire to thrive, not just survive.
Book me to speak at your upcoming conference, where I can share 30+ years of my experience leading all kinds of teams—as a trauma nurse in the Air Force to emergency management.
