198749 Transforming Communities and Programs: Value Based Public Health Leadership Strategies for a Virtual World

Tuesday, November 10, 2009: 8:30 AM

Suzanne Holmes, DPA , School of Public Service Leadership, Capella University, Minneapolis, MN
Paula Stechschulte, PhD , School of Public Service Leadership, Capella University, Minneapolis, MN
     
Public health leadership strategies have been transformed by the e-revolution and the focus on evidenced-based leadership practices. Continually addressing public health issues and concerns through the design and implementation of targeted programs requires adapting transformational leadership theory and practices to the virtual environment. Enhancing diverse community participation and support of public health initiatives, continually motivating the public health workforce, and fostering broad and sustainable commitment to public health policy and program goals is achievable through proven virtual leadership strategies. A study of the interactions of a geographically diverse leadership team in the design and implementation of a public health program provides key insights into managing virtually while maintaining participation, open communication, and performance.

This session introduces the collaborative approaches adopted by a virtual leadership team in the management and support of a virtual and diverse professional workforce, and the development of linkages through web-enhanced technologies with key community stakeholders in the creation of value-based public health programs. Key findings include the method to develop trust through supportive communication technologies, focused and scheduled interactive discussions, monitored activities and continual evaluative feedback, and a multidisciplinary approach to program development and solution finding. Strategies to develop participatory and network building skills will be highlighted.

Learning Objectives:
Desceibe virtual leadership strategies and approaches to foster broad and sustainable commitment to public health policy and program goals. List communication processes to establish and sustain interaction with internal and external stakeholders. Identify strategies that foster participation, open communication, and maximize performance of the virtual workforce.

Keywords: Leadership, Management and Sustainability

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Serve as Manager of a virtual workforce responsible for creating, implementing, and sustaining a public health program. Job responsibilities require working with a large diverse workforce, developing community linkages, and sustaining open communications and dialogue with all involved. Responsible to maintain performance standards of professional workforce in a virtual environment.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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