Someone above you makes a decision you do not agree with. A direction changes. A policy lands that does not sit right. And you feel it. That immediate internal resistance.
Most leaders react from that feeling. The best ones pause and ask a question first.
Is my resistance about values, strategy, timing, or just discomfort with uncertainty?
Those four categories change everything.
If it is about values. Something crosses a line you cannot cross. That is worth standing firm on. Clearly and respectfully, but firmly.
If it is about strategy. You see a better path. That is worth a conversation. Bring your thinking, ask questions, make your case.
If it is about timing. The direction is right but the moment is wrong. That is worth raising once, then trusting the process.
If it is about uncertainty. You simply do not know how it will turn out. That is personal work. Sit with it. Lead anyway.
Not all resistance is equal. Knowing which category you are in changes how you respond, how you show up, and how much credibility you carry when it really matters.
With over 27 years in Healthcare Environmental Services (ES), I lead with a belief that attitude drives outcomes. As a Regional Director at MultiCare Health System, I oversee multi-site ES operations with a focus on people-first leadership, infection control, and operational excellence.
I champion a Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) not as a slogan, but as a leadership principle. I believe positivity is contagious, and as a leader, I set the tone. Through consistent, uplifting communication, I create environments where ES teams feel empowered to be helpful, proactive, and proud of their impact.
For me, development is a choice, and I invest in training, huddles, and coaching that energize teams, helping them thrive in their current roles and grow toward what’s next. My approach to high standards isn't theoretical, it's practical. Just like we notice when a hotel room is clean and fresh, patients and families immediately sense a space that’s been cared for.
Through standardized protocols, team accountability, and a shared mission, I help create clean, safe, and healing environments that directly enhance patient experience and staff well-being. It's a privilege to lead teams that play such a vital role in the patient journey, and to help elevate the perception and performance of ES professionals across our system.
