Leadership Academy 2013-14 LeadingAge New York Feb. 2014 | Page 27

Robert Raffle
Executive Director
Masonic Care Community

Career Development Leadership Project
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?

The action learning project will be to develop a leadership program that will promote career growth and development by active
participation in continuing education that will support a succession plan process for our organization.

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 had originally planned on developing a leadership program exclusively for our executive team. However after discussion with the
team I believe there is greater value in developing a succession plan that will create a pool of qualified individuals that will be available
to address key roles as they become available in our organization and the healthcare field at large.

3

What have been important turning points for you, in your own learning, as you’ve engaged with
the action learning process (you might consider a surprise, insight, setback, or challenge)?

I have found that our organization has a number of individuals that are capable and interested in opportunities for growth into
leadership roles in our organization. The challenge will be for us to develop an assessment process to evaluate those individuals that
seem to have leadership qualities and behaviors that are needed to be successful. We are considering the use of the Profile XT and
360 Degree Feedback tool to assist us with this process.

4

How do you hope your project might unfold in the months and years ahead and what impact do
you hope it will have on the field at large?

I believe by our organization focusing on a leadership succession plan we will create both internal and external leadership candidates
that will be well prepared to thrive in our organization and the healthcare field at large.

5

How has the action learning process in the context of the Leadership Academy experience
contributed to your growth as a leader?

The process has helped me be better at thinking “big picture” versus always looking at the challenges that I face daily. In order to be a
successful leader I must work with our team on developing a stronger vision for our organization and as part of that process, prepare
the next group of leadership candidates to ensure its long term success.

IGNITE Leadership Academy Action Learning Project 2013-14

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