Objectives:

• Develop analytical skills by identifying complex organizational dynamics and issues.
• Apply relevant conceptual perspectives to the understanding of the business case.
• Apply relevant practical insights by relating the case to your own sphere of influence to recommend plausible solutions. Instructions:
• Read the short case titled “Boldly Go: Character Drives Leadership at Providence Healthcare” posted on Blackboard.
• Answer all three questions. Each question carries 10 marks.
• Use the given case as the basis for answering the questions.
• Use relevant concepts, perspectives, and/or frameworks you will research, are familiar with or have learned in this course to answer the questions.
• Use relevant citations and references for concepts/perspectives drawn from the literature, e.g. course textbook, articles, and websites, in support of your answers. As a guide, at least three sources of literature are expected. Format of Paper:
• Use headings and subheadings as appropriate, and format the paper in a clear and logical manner. A Contents page would be helpful but not mandatory.
• Use figures and tables where applicable but not mandatory.
• As a guide, the overall length of the paper is expected to be around 3,000 words, including figures and tables but excluding references. Length may vary between 2,700 and 3,300 words (10% word-limit flexibility.

Assignment Questions:

1. What is the impact of character on leadership and its role in driving change and innovation at Providence Healthcare? Discuss the competencies, commitment, and tradeoffs in facilitating change through the leadership of Josie Walsh.
2. Identify a leader you know or a prominent contemporary business leader and analyze the impact of this leader’s character on his or her career and success, or alternatively, the impact on his or her downfall or failure as a leader?
3. As the CEO of Providence Healthcare, what would you do to sustain the values of Transformation by Design while gaining the support and buy-in of internal and external stakeholders?

Introduction

In the contemporary business landscape, leadership is more than just a position of authority; it is a complex interplay of character, competencies, and commitment that drives change and innovation . This essay delves into the case of Providence Healthcare and explores the profound impact of character on leadership and its role in driving change and innovation. Furthermore, it analyzes the character of a prominent contemporary business leader and its influence on their career, success, or downfall. Finally, it addresses the challenge faced by the CEO of Providence Healthcare in sustaining the values of Transformation by Design while gaining support and buy-in from internal and external stakeholders.

The Impact of Character on Leadership at Providence Healthcare

Character is a fundamental component of effective leadership. The case of Providence Healthcare, as exemplified by Josie Walsh, underscores the pivotal role of character in driving change and innovation within an organization. Character encompasses virtues such as integrity, authenticity, resilience, and ethical behavior, which are essential for leaders to navigate complex organizational dynamics and challenges (Luthans & Avolio, 2003).

Josie Walsh, the CEO of Providence Healthcare, demonstrated remarkable character traits that significantly impacted her leadership and the organization’s transformation journey. One key trait is integrity. Josie’s unwavering commitment to the values of Transformation by Design, even in the face of resistance and skepticism, reflects her strong ethical foundation. Her integrity engendered trust among stakeholders, fostering a sense of purpose and alignment (Trevino & Brown, 2005).

Authenticity is another character trait that played a pivotal role in Josie’s leadership. She remained true to her values and beliefs, which resonated with the organization’s mission. Her authenticity not only inspired her team but also created a culture of transparency and open communication, essential for driving change and innovation (Gardner et al., 2005).

Resilience is yet another crucial character trait exhibited by Josie. The healthcare industry is fraught with challenges, and her resilience in the face of adversity allowed her to persevere and maintain focus on the organization’s goals. Her ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to changing circumstances was instrumental in steering Providence Healthcare toward transformation (Hochachka & Nyberg, 2005).

However, character-driven leadership also involves tradeoffs and challenges. Josie faced the tradeoff of prioritizing long-term transformation over short-term gains. Implementing change often comes with resistance and requires patience and persistence. This necessitated a careful balance between driving change aggressively and maintaining the trust and support of internal and external stakeholders (Kotter, 1996).

Commitment is the final character aspect to be discussed. Josie’s unwavering commitment to the organization’s values and mission was a driving force behind the successful transformation. However, it also demanded sacrifices and personal investment. Leaders must be committed to the cause they champion, as half-hearted efforts are unlikely to yield meaningful change (Bass & Riggio, 2006).

Analysis of a Prominent Contemporary Business Leader

To further explore the impact of character on leadership, let’s consider the case of Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. Elon Musk is a polarizing figure known for his audacity, innovation, and unconventional leadership style.

Musk’s character traits, such as visionary thinking and risk-taking, have propelled him to great success. His unwavering commitment to his vision of sustainable transportation and space exploration has driven innovation in both industries. Musk’s ability to inspire and lead teams toward ambitious goals showcases his charismatic leadership (Goffee & Jones, 2006).

However, Musk’s character traits have also contributed to controversy and challenges. His outspokenness and occasional lack of filter on social media have led to public relations crises for Tesla. Additionally, his demanding leadership style has reportedly caused high turnover among executives (Winkler, 2018).

In essence, Musk’s character has been both a driving force behind his career and success and a source of turbulence and criticism. His audacious goals and relentless pursuit of innovation have reshaped industries, but his unfiltered communication and demanding nature have also generated scrutiny (O’Connell & Cuthbertson, 2020).

Sustaining Transformation by Design at Providence Healthcare

As the CEO of Providence Healthcare, sustaining the values of Transformation by Design while gaining the support and buy-in of internal and external stakeholders requires a strategic approach.

First and foremost, effective communication is essential. The CEO must communicate the vision, values, and benefits of Transformation by Design clearly and consistently to the organization’s workforce. This includes regular town hall meetings, open forums for feedback, and transparent reporting on progress and outcomes (Kotter, 2008).

Engaging stakeholders, both internal and external, is critical. Building coalitions of support among key stakeholders, including employees, medical staff, patients, and community leaders, is essential for the sustained success of the transformation. Listening to their concerns and incorporating their input into the transformation process fosters ownership and commitment (Bryson, 2018).

A focus on talent development is also crucial. Identifying and nurturing leaders within the organization who embody the values of Transformation by Design ensures continuity and a shared commitment to the mission. Offering training and development opportunities for employees at all levels reinforces the organizational culture (Avolio & Gardner, 2005).

Furthermore, aligning incentives with the desired outcomes of the transformation can motivate and sustain change efforts. Performance evaluations, compensation structures, and recognition programs should be designed to reward behaviors and achievements that support the transformation’s goals (Gong et al., 2010).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the impact of character on leadership, as illustrated by Josie Walsh at Providence Healthcare, is undeniable. Character traits such as integrity, authenticity, resilience, and commitment are essential for driving change and innovation. However, character-driven leadership also involves tradeoffs and challenges that must be navigated strategically. Analyzing the character of prominent contemporary leaders like Elon Musk provides valuable insights into the complex interplay of character and leadership. To sustain the values of Transformation by Design, the CEO of Providence Healthcare must prioritize effective communication, stakeholder engagement, talent development, and aligned incentives to ensure the continued success of the organization’s transformation journey.