Insights on Thriving Organisational Culture and Leadership

02 Dec 2024

In this edition, we’re pleased to feature Shareen McMillan, Executive Director Workforce at Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service. Shareen shares her insights into creating a thriving organisational culture and preparing for the workforce of the future.  Here’s what she told us:

Q: In your experience, what are the key factors that contribute to a thriving organisational culture, and how do you actively nurture these?

There are a range of key factors that contribute to both building a thriving organisational culture and in retaining a positive engaged workforce. One of the most important is valuing our staff. Our people are our key to providing great patient care, supporting our community and growing our organization success. While we have rewards and recognition programs that formalize our recognition, it is often the daily actions of listening, engaging, being visible and genuinely communicating with interest that supports building and growing our organizational culture in a positive way.

Q: What leadership qualities do you believe are critical for the future workforce, and how do you encourage these in your team/organisation?

Our world of work is changing and will continue to change, so to be an effective leader and manager into the future, we need to be flexible in our approach, acknowledge and work with changes, support our people, and set a clear direction of where we are going while understanding the path may to get there may vary along the way.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring leaders who want to make a meaningful impact in the areas of workforce, people, and culture?

I have found that everyone adds value to the team and achieving outcomes, so setting a clear vision and supporting, encouraging and valuing input and diversity of views, often results in a better pathway to achieving an even better successful outcome.