Gyasi Chisley, CEO of Methodist Healthcare North and Senior VP of Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare in Memphis, Tenn., recently spoke with Witt & Wisdom about the importance of mentorship, especially for young leaders.
Mr. Chisley still keeps in touch with his first mentor, Dr. William Finlayson, 91-year-old now-retired OBGYN physician with whom he first connected through a Boys & Girls Club program. Dr. Finlayson gave Mr. Chisley his first job, but Mr. Chisley accredits him to much more. "He was instrumental in not only my career, but in my life," Chisley said.
Mr. Chisley still serves on the board of the Boys & Girls Club and serves as a mentor to ten individuals including students and young professionals.
When advising his student mentees, Mr. Chisley encourages them to stay active in the classroom, but also think about how to apply their learning to real-world situations.
For young healthcare professionals, Mr. Chisley recommends the following:
1. Be a player-coach. Be able to lead effectively, but also willing to work with others.
2. Earn respect. Become highly regarded amongst physicians/clinicians. According to Mr. Chisley, "the best methods for earning respect are to be transparent, pursue integrity and honor your commitments."
3. Understand the new paradigm for payers. Keeping ahead of the game and developing potential partnerships is essential.
4. Understand the value of culture. "Culture trumps strategy every day of the week and twice on Sunday," said Mr. Chisley.