Human-Centered Leadership Philosophy Sustains the Children’ s Hospital Colorado Leadership Promise
In 2024, Patient Care Services( PCS) embarked on a journey to incorporate human-centered leadership principles across the system of care. Focused on cultivating the skills and mindset necessary for effective and empathetic leadership in healthcare, the human-centered leadership model embraces change from the inside out, emphasizing the value of human relationships, compassion and empowerment within organizations. Rooted in empathy and trust, this leadership approach fosters an environment where individuals feel seen, heard and valued. In healthcare, where interpersonal connections and emotional intelligence are critical, humancentered leadership is particularly impactful, and its emphasis on recognizing the expertise and value of those who serve at the point of care is extraordinarily well aligned with the mission, vision, values and culture at Children’ s Colorado.
Shandra Kight, MSN, RN, CPN, Associate Clinical Manager in Children’ s Colorado’ s Special Care Clinic, brought forward this philosophy. Kight introduced human-centered leadership in response to the intense pressures and stressors nurse leaders face in today’ s post-pandemic healthcare landscape. Her goal was to support nurse leaders in reconnecting with themselves and relearning the importance of self-care, which in turn positions them as stronger leaders for their teams. Guided by Kight’ s leadership and insight as a clinical nurse at the time she introduced this model, the humancentered leadership framework was steadfastly embraced by the PCS leadership team with implementation led by Kathie Seerup, MSHA, BSN, RN, NE-BC, Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing and Operations Officer, and Kirtley Ceballos, MSN, RN, CNS, NEA-BC, Director Patient Care Services, Maternal / Fetal & Neonatal.
PCS executive leadership completed the training in early 2024, followed by director-led cohorts of clinical managers, associate clinical managers, clinical education specialists, clinical practice and nurse specialists, and operational leaders who completed the human-centered leadership journey by the end of 2024. Each group’ s journey centered around the book“ Human-Centered Leadership in Healthcare,” co-authored by Lucy Leclerc, Susan Campis and Kay Kennedy, accompanied by a virtual learning management system that provided additional modules and exercises or a book-club style discussion group to facilitate additional learning. With either approach, the groups met regularly to discuss their learnings and how to apply humancentered leadership principles to their professional practice.
The model was met with enthusiasm across the system of care for its strong focus on empathy, communication and collaboration, ensuring that patients, families and team members are at the heart of leadership actions. Through this journey, leaders integrated the development of emotional intelligence, ethical decision making and transformational leadership to inspire and empower teams, enhance patient care and promote organizational growth and well-being. They also renewed their commitment to continuous learning, self-reflection and the application of inclusive, values-driven leadership practices in healthcare settings. Ultimately, applying this approach to the uniquely complex and high-stakes patient care environment enables leaders to more effectively deliver on Children’ s Colorado’ s leadership promise— building high-performing teams, maximizing individual potential and providing a healthy and safe workplace to nurture our shared culture.
“ Human-centered leadership is about empathy and connection. For me, it means listening, empowering others, and embracing the role of an‘ Energy Alchemist’— transforming challenges into opportunities. At North Campus, it’ s helped us create a space where collaboration thrives, and care is better for everyone.”
ANTHONY WATKINS, MSN, RN, NE-BC
Clinical Manager, Emergency Department / Urgent Care at Children’ s Hospital Colorado North Campus, Broomfield
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2024 PCS Annual Report