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Empowering Leaders: Emphasizing Emotional Intelligence and Volunteerism

By Karen Claxton, MBA, CPCS, CPMSM, FMSP

This year is off to a busy start. We recently completed the virtual NAMSS State Leadership Conference entitled “Empowering Teams, Inspiring Growth, Leading With Impact”. Dr. Catherine Sanderson gave a keynote presentation on “The Science of Success: The Power of Emotional Intelligence, Growth Mindset, and Psychological Safety”. My key takeaways were:

1. The importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in relationships, work, and health.
2. The significance of understanding and acknowledging my EQ strengths and weaknesses.
3. The importance of a growth mindset.

State leaders were provided a copy of “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” book, written by Patrick Lencioni, and participated in discussions around building trust, communication, ownership, focus, and alignment. Along with NAMSS updates on government relations and education, Executive Director Kirsten Shaffer, CAE, provided information on strengthening state affiliates through effective leadership, engagement, and NAMSS resources. Leaders were provided with practical information and resources to develop orientation programs or strengthen existing programs.

The conference also included a presentation on “Accountability of Volunteers — Leading Without Authority” from NAMSS Past President Susan Diaz, CPMSM, CPCS, as well as a presentation on change management from Di Hall, CPCS, CPMSM, FMSP. The conference closed out with a riveting closing panel moderated by Lisa Goodwin, MBA, CPCS, CPMSM, NAMSS Immediate Past President. Panelists included Mallorie Merboth, MHA, CPCS, CPMSM, CPHQ; Julie Vandenburg, BS, CPCS; James Frieberg, MBA, CPMSM, CPCS; and Monica Martin, CPCS, exploring strategies for empowering teams and fostering growth in diverse healthcare facility settings. Thank you to all the state leaders who attended and participated. We value your service and collaboration with NAMSS.

NAMSS is readying for the inaugural offering of the NAMSS Tomorrow’s Leaders Program. Thirty-one NAMSS members applied for the program geared toward advancing leadership skills for MSPs who are looking to volunteer on a state or national level. Participants will complete online modules regarding project management, finances, decision making, negotiations, and other concepts for success. Live sessions will explore who you are, what you do, what you inspire, and what you enable. The live sessions will be developed and taught by NAMSS past presidents. This program will help NAMSS identify our future volunteer leaders.

Both programs highlighted above are geared toward developing and supporting volunteer leaders. Why do people volunteer? Volunteering gives us the opportunity to give back to the community that has given so much to us. It also allows us to pay it forward to the next generation of MSPs.

Did you know that volunteerism has benefits? Volunteering can improve physical and mental health by reducing stress and lowering incidence of depression. Reducing stress can decrease risk of heart disease, stroke, and mortality rates (Mayo, 2023). Volunteering gives many of us a sense of purpose and helps us improve and expand skills. Other benefits include the opportunity to build new relationships, expand networks, improve self-esteem, stretch you out of your comfort zone, have fun, and may even provide future job prospects (Buttel and Krosel, 2025).

My volunteer efforts started as a young child. I seemed to find myself raising my hand when the teacher asked for volunteers. I went on to volunteer at church as nursery worker, food pantry coordinator, Sunday School teacher, and soup kitchen volunteer. At work, I volunteered for committees, task forces, mentoring, and, at times, extra duties.

There is something in me that compels me to volunteer. Serving other people and other MSPs is rewarding and fulfilling. If you aren’t volunteering, why not? Volunteers are not necessarily extraordinary people or MSPs, but they are willing. We don’t have all the answers, but we are willing to work together to discover the answers and give back to our community. John F Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” It was such a poignant statement that spoke to all Americans and still motivates us today. In that vein, I encourage you to not just ask what NAMSS can do for you, but ask what you can do for your fellow MSPs.

Resources:

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/3-health-benefits-of-volunteering

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-are-benefits-of-volunteering