Leadership Report for Nc Dept of Health and Human Services

Leadership Report for NC Dept of Health and Human Services

LT McCrimmon

Dr. Larrisha McGill-Youngblood PADG-5620

September 2, 2018

Leadership Report for NC Dept of Health and Human Services

Over the years emotional intelligence has become a go-to measurement in choosing top performing leaders and a way to help groom leadership skills.  But what exactly is emotional intelligence and how will it improve the leadership of the NC Department of Health and Human Services?  During my research I discovered several interpretations for emotional intelligence, two of those interpretations that clearly defines the true meaning of emotional intelligence are as follows: “The ability to detect and to manage emotional cues, and information” (Robbins & Judge, 2016).  “Emotional intelligence is the capability to recognize and manage personal emotions and emotions of others. You will need to include these three skills: emotional awareness; the capability to connect emotions and relate them to tasks and solving problems; and the aptitude to manage feelings, which includes adapting personal emotions and reassuring or comforting other people” (Mayer Ph.D., 2009). The NC Department of Health and Human Services focus on the care of the whole person, and leaders directing the day to day operations must have a keen sense of emotional intelligence.  

NC Department of Health and Human Services

“The Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) manages the delivery of health- and human-related services for all North Carolinians, especially our most vulnerable citizens – children, elderly, disabled and low-income families. The Department works closely with health care professionals, community leaders and advocacy groups; local, state and federal entities; and many other stakeholders to make this happen.  The Department is divided into 30 divisions and offices. NCDHHS divisions and offices fall under four broad service areas - health, human services, administrative, and support functions.  NCDHHS also oversees 14 facilities: developmental centers, neuro-medical treatment centers, psychiatric hospitals, alcohol and drug abuse treatment centers, and two residential programs for children” (DHHS, 2018).

NC DHHS Goals and Objectives

The goals set by NC DHHS are those that manage resources to provide effective and efficient delivery of services to North Carolinians by using uniform regulatory standards for multiple health and related facilities and professions.  The department strives to assure that North Carolinians receive accurate information regarding providers that meet or exceed regulatory standards and have access to consistent health and safety information through outreach and education.  We work hard to provide outreach, support and services to individuals and families identified as being “at risk” and work to eliminate or reduce those risks. Those who are at risk will receive support services to minimize those risks.  Services are also provided to individuals and families experiencing health and safety needs to assist them in living successfully in the community.  Those with health needs receive the best services before those needs worsen or become irreversible.  There are services and protection to people with serious health needs who are not, at least temporarily, able to assist themselves with the goal of helping them to return to independent, community living.  “NCDHHS mission statement defines who we are and what we do. The vision statement defines what we aspire to be. Together they serve as the foundation for DHHS. The values are the guiding principles that shape our behavior and actions. The strategic goals are what we strive to do in support of the values and our daily activities. Together they make DHHS a great place to work” (DHHS, 2018).  

NCDHHS goals and mission lay out why it’s imperative for the department to have effective leaders who possess a high leave of emotional intelligence.  Leaders should easily know how to adapt in fluid situations that motive their teams to go above and beyond for the people of North Carolina. A current leader or prospective candidate that show signs that they are not or can not be adaptable/adapted is a red-flag.  Adaptability means someone can tolerate and navigate change. Adaption allows for innovation, and that leader can propose, evaluate, and implement new creative solutions. The current North Carolina General Assembly refuses to vote for Medicaid expansion, an option under the Affordable Care Act that would allow for thousands more North Carolinians to receive Medicaid health coverage.  NC DHHS goal is to provide health care to all. The Department needs leaders and candidates who know how and when to use collaboration with outside groups to help provide health care services for the uninsured population. These leaders also empower their direct reports to foster relationships with outside health care groups to help ensure North Carolina’s most vulnerable receives care regardless of their lack of health insurance.  Leaders with emotional intelligence are results-driven and set clear performance goals.  These goals drive the work of the department and when done right, it means we strive toward better care while maximizing limited resources. No one leader will have all the expertise needed to resolve all problems. It is important that leaders build a talented team and create a culture that values collaboration and empowers everyone, from leadership to front line staff, that will work to find and propose solutions.  Teams should consist of members who are self-motivated and work to meet the department’s goals by using all available resources. Team members must be empathic and encompass the ability to understand and ‘feel for’ others and effectively connect to those we serve.  Leaders and members of their teams must be on the same page to build and maintain relationships that will provide the best possible service to all of North Carolina.