Average tenure for a hospital CEO in America is less than 5 years. Ben McKibbens was CEO of Valley Baptist Health System in Texas for over 25 years! McKibbens also served as a leader for numerous local, state and national boards, associations and other organizations, including as a board member and Chair of the Texas Hospital Association.
When Ben McKibbens speaks, particularly when he is sharing perspectives and wisdom, I listen. And so should you!
During a recent interview for the America’s Healthcare Leaders series, I asked McKibbens the following question:
“From your perspective, what were and are your most important accomplishments as CEO of Valley Baptist Health System?”
Not once, during several responses to this question, did McKibbens mention or talk about himself. All of his responses were directly related to supporting, building up, encouraging, inspiring, and improving the health system and all those people and organizations directly or indirectly related to the vision, mission and goals of Valley Baptist Health System.
His responses were not about himself, but entirely about supporting, inspiring, improving, and serving others. Think about that. Over 25 years of significant and meaningful success, building and leading a healthcare system to be a prominent provider in its region, and yet he did not mention himself one time!
Just a couple of McKibbens’ responses to this question included:
“First of all, the generous support of the health system by so many different people from various backgrounds and locations.”
“Second, we were able to assist the system by developing a mentality of desire and focus for things such as improving, expanding, and opening new health related schools, creating all kinds of other programs and services, and we honored and recognized those people and organizations that assisted in helping the health system move ever-closer to our mission and vision.”
McKibbens then began extemporaneously naming all sorts of programs and services, such as medical schools, residencies, and other clinical and non-clinical programs and services that were initiated and became successful, according to McKibbens, because of the generosity (time, expertise and money), and loyalty of all sorts of people and organizations. It was truly inspiring to listen to McKibbens name specific programs and specific people whose generosity (again time, expertise and money) contributed to the mission and success of Valley Baptist Health System.
Again, not once did McKibbens talk about himself or “what he had done!”
It would not be over-stated to say that our industry, our country and the world needs far more leaders with the wisdom, values, perspectives and attitudes of Ben McKibbens.
Want to be more successful in your personal and professional life… and in the marketplace, community and within the organizations you currently serve? Learn from America’s Healthcare Leaders such as Ben McKibbens. Follow the excellent example of this highly successful person and leader.
Focus NOT on yourself. Focus on supporting, building up, encouraging, improving, inspiring, and consistently serving a worthy mission. Focus on those people and organizations that directly or indirectly support or impact your personal and professional vision, mission and goals. Focus NOT on yourself.
Priceless Wisdom from one of America’s Healthcare Leaders!
