Message From The Founding Director
The vision of the Public Health Leadership Institute is "leadership throughout public health."
That vision conveys the ultimate goal of the Institute: To contribute to the creation of a "leadership culture" in those organizations working to improve the health of the public, especially the Florida Department of Health. It is a common observation that the managers of organizations that seek excellence will be able to introduce the latest managerial concept, whether it is quality improvement, total quality management, management by objectives, or whatever is currently popular in the management industry. The adoption of these productivity-enhancing methods will not separate the great organizations from the good ones. What will distinguish the most competitive and excellent organizations will be their ability to give opportunities for their employees to use their creativity and skills broadly to develop the goods and services that the organization provides. Organizations with a leadership culture will create those opportunities. They will have authority, responsibility, and accountability diffused throughout. Managers in such organizations will trust their employees and provide them with the opportunity to shape the processes and services of the organization. A fundamental assumption of the leadership culture is that leadership will be found at all levels and within all disciplines. Further, organizations whose cultures are anchored on hierarchy, education, or status will be less effective than those that are characterized by an openness that permits many employees to contribute to process or service improvement. Accordingly, the Public Health Leadership Institute of Florida is designed to serve applicants from all ranks and backgrounds and to introduce them to a curriculum and experience that prepares them to contribute to the creation of a leadership culture wherever they work.
W. Michael Reid, Founder and Director
