The Front-Line Leader: Building a High-Performance Organization from the Ground Up

There has been a growing appreciation of the importance of culture in healthcare organizations (more and more you hear healthcare execs quoting the well-known Peter Drucker line that culture eats strategy for lunch). Chris Van Gorder vividly illustrates how it's not enough for the CEO to just talk about culture - he or she must live the culture. The example set by senior leaders is the single-most important determinant of culture throughout the rest of the organization. Not everyone can have the experience (or the energy) of the author, but we can all learn from his example of how to be better leaders and do a better job of promoting a great culture. This is a book that should be on the reading list of every healthcare executive - and that can inspire leaders in every other field as well.

I appreciated the incremental improvements Scripps made over the course of Chris Van Gorder’s leadership. Nothing happened overnight, but rather a steady forward pace built upon previous successes ensured continuity of systems, culture and accountability.

Chris Van Gorder's book is a must read for people in leadership positions. Chris clearly articulates his experiences and desires to connect locally with front-line staff and leadership. He provides the fundamental leadership accountabilites and responsibilities required for leading highly complex organizations. Having personally worked with Chris in responding to critical events in post 9/11 and San Diego Fire responses, the content of this this book clearly describes his unique abilities to move from CEO to front-line problem-solver while creating a culture of active leadership.This is a book about Chris's approaches and methods of practicing leading by example. I have known Chris for fifteen years and as an alumni of Scripp's Leadership Academy, I can assure the reader he exemplifies the practice of "Walking a mile in their shoes" style of leadership.

This book helped me understand a little bit about healthcare management, also gives tips of how to be a humble and hard employee. Im persuing my bachelors in healthcare, and this book was really helpful.

Book was in great condition, as described.

Initially I thought there was something new here. However as I got deeper in, it became clear this was a vanity piece for the author. Not impressed.

This book is also a wonderful guide for families and friends to share. It is about respect, transparency, acountability, teamwork, and empowerment. It is an easy to read and a very easy to digest book. I will suggest to all to read the chapters' bullet points summaries first at the end of each chapter, and then go back to read the respective chapters. Doing so will set up the context very well. I truly enjoyed this book. It is classified as a management and leadership book, and that's true. However, it is a step by step guide for anyone who's looking to optimize his/her relationships with others (may that be a Spouse, children, co-workers, boss, etc).

Rambling at times with too many (and too long) personal stories. Good message though and good leadership philosophy.