As the CEO of Rx Medical, my team and I work in the fast-paced medical industry, where I’ve witnessed firsthand how disruption can shake the foundation of even the most established healthcare companies. I firmly believe that having a clear set of virtues is essential for shaping a company’s culture. These virtues not only guide decision-making but also set the tone for how we engage with one another, serve our clients, navigate challenges, and drive success. Values create a strong foundation that helps us weather the storm and when we do, we continue to grow. Virtues also serve as a compass, ensuring our actions align with our values. A key priority within our organization is to cultivate a workspace where employees feel empowered to thrive and actively contribute to our shared mission.
As the world evolves at an unprecedented pace, many leaders face the challenge of creating meaningful and positive impact. In 10 Leadership Virtues for Disruptive Times by Tom Ziglar, the concept of leading with purpose when facing change is explored. Ziglar highlights ten core leadership virtues: kindness, humility, respect, persistence, selflessness, encouragement, positive expectations, self-control, firmness, and hope—each of which is the focus of this month’s LinkedIn leadership blog.
10 Leadership Virtues – Lead Differently or Get Left Behind
- Patience: Leaders must be patient and allow time for progress to unfold, especially when transforming an organization or navigating uncertainty.
- Vision: A leader must provide a clear direction for their team, especially in uncertain times, helping them see the path forward.
- Resilience: Embracing failure as an opportunity for growth, this virtue emphasizes the importance of bouncing back stronger and more united after setbacks.
- Courage: Leading through tough times requires the ability to make tough decisions and face fears head-on without hesitation.
- Integrity: Upholding the highest moral standards, even when it’s easier to take shortcuts, is fundamental for maintaining trust within your team.
- Empathy: Understanding the challenges and emotions of your team members fosters loyalty and strengthens relationships, especially when navigating difficult times.
- Selflessness: True leaders put the needs of the team and the organization first, helping to foster a sense of unity and purpose.
- Focus: Maintaining clarity of purpose and staying focused on the goal amidst the noise of disruption is essential for a leader’s success.
- Decisiveness: In disruptive times, making timely decisions, even when they’re tough, is critical to keep momentum moving forward.
- Gratitude: Showing appreciation for your team’s efforts helps boost morale and creates a culture of recognition and respect.
In the book The Power of Ethics: How to Make Good Choices in a Complicated World, Susan Liautaud shares the importance of While all of the virtues are valuable reminders, two stood out to me the most. The first is visionary leadership. This virtue emphasizes that in times of uncertainty, it’s crucial for leaders to not only focus on challenges but also provide a clear path forward. At RX Medical, we communicate our corporate vision across our family of healthcare businesses in hopes of inspiring and motivating our teams—even when the future feels unpredictable. This approach aligns perfectly with how we lead: in an industry where innovation is constant, guiding our team with a shared vision is essential for navigating both the highs and lows.
The second virtue that landed on me from the above list is resilience. Resilience isn’t about weathering the storm; it’s about bouncing back stronger and more united. As leaders, we must demonstrate this virtue by example. Fostering a culture where failure isn’t feared but seen as a stepping stone to success is key. This mindset has been key to our organization’s ability to stay ahead, innovate, and deliver medical technology solutions that empower surgeons and healthcare providers to help their patients return to active lifestyles.
The true test of leadership is in our ability to inspire, guide, and empower our teams through uncertainty. By embracing all ten virtues, we not only navigate disruption but also create a culture of growth, trust, and collaboration. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to lead with purpose and provide a clear, motivating path forward—no matter how unpredictable the road may seem. With these virtues at the core of our leadership approach, we can ensure that our teams rise above challenges and continue to thrive.
📌LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE: As a leader, are you focused on overseeing operations and nurturing your people, empowering them to overcome challenges, and setting a course they can believe in, even during the toughest times?
Brandon Rouse, CEO of Rx Medical, a family of healthcare businesses, leads a diverse & growing team of professionals well-versed in the challenges facing the medical field today. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Brandon’s experienced team represents various technological & innovative medical device solutions. ZB RX Medical and Rx Medical are direct distributors of Zimmer Biomet among others.