IGNITE Leadership Academy LeadingAge New York 2014-15 2014-15 | Page 24

Diana Pillittieri
Social Worker
Hultquist Place Assisted Living
at Lutheran

A Personalized Experience
1

How would you describe your Action Learning Project and the difference you hope it will make to
advance your organization’s mission (or the field) and benefit the individuals you serve?

My Action Learning Project includes participating in the introduction and implementation of Brand Integrity to Lutheran. Brand
Integrity will assist Lutheran by helping us define who we want to be, remind by using employee surveys, employee recognition
and regular mention of the experience in meetings to keep the experience a part of conversations moving forward and quantify by
regular surveys, allowing leaders and employees to see where we are being successful and create awareness of how these cultural
improvements are impacting the company’s bottom line.
On our campus, we are calling this culture change the Lutheran Experience. Our facility is working toward having a more consistent,
reliable experience to better engage employees and customers. The Lutheran Experience will benefit our campus. We have outlined
our key goals that are our focus. Prior to the beginning this journey, employees and leaders gathered and outlined key factors.
Performing as one team, being accountable for results, leading by example, sharing our knowledge and expertise and delivering a
personalized experience, we recognized our goals that are important to providing a positive experience. The success of the Lutheran
Experience will develop a strong staff and happy customers/residents.

2

How have the relationships you’ve developed as part of your project (with mentors, partners,
stakeholders, etc.) influenced this direction and you as a leader?

I believe that the relationships I have developed during this project have helped me be a better team player and realize that I am
a leader at my facility. The skills I gathered at the Leadership Academy have given me more confidence to guide others. I have
strengthened my relationship with my team members and my mentors. Participating in staff education is a new role for me. It has
been exciting to broaden my skill set and try something new. Having the confidence to step forward and make this co