Most employees feel like their leaders don’t really hear them. Employees often share concerns or ideas, but those moments pass unnoticed. When this happens, teams lose energy. Problems linger. Communication breaks down. You may have seen this in your own workplace. Someone speaks up, no one follows up, and the issue grows into something bigger.

This happens even in teams that want to do well. This gap causes frustration, confusion, and missed opportunities. It also hurts a leader’s ability to guide the group with confidence.

At a time in our country of great debate, there’s no debate about one thing: Teachers are the superstars of the U.S. education system. I’ve been leading special education teams and schools for 25 years of my 32-year social services career, and I continue to be amazed and awed every day by what teachers accomplish and how resourceful they are in accessing today’s youth. 

In the complex and ever-evolving field of public health, effective leadership is not just beneficial...it's essential. As public health professionals face a myriad of challenges ranging from disease outbreaks to health policy changes, the need for strong, dynamic leaders becomes increasingly apparent. But what makes a great leader in public health? It's not merely about having expertise in epidemiology or health policy; it's also about how you guide your team, make decisions, and inspire action.