Introduction to Presbyterian Senior Living Leadership Culture

The Culture Change Initiative that has been gaining momentum in progressive long-term care facilities over the past several years has focused on resident centered models of care and empowerment of front line staff in reaching out to meet resident needs.

Every organization possesses a leadership personality, or culture.  Some organizations refer to their “corporate personality” or “corporate culture”.  Such language neglects the broader definition of the word corporate (united or combined into one, or pertaining to a united group) which is far richer than just “belonging to a corporation”.  For this reason we use the term “leadership culture” to describe the philosophical underpinnings and behavioral expectations of the leadership of Presbyterian Senior Living.

Even when the leadership culture has never been articulated in a formal way, people who work within an organization clearly feel its influence, and can often describe the culture with remarkable accuracy.  In long term care organizations front line staff is aware that their efforts to develop a resident centered approach to care will never take root without the support and encouragement of the organization’s leadership.

Presbyterian Senior Living has been blessed to have a healthy leadership culture that has been nurtured by several generations of volunteer trustees and board members, senior staff, executive directors, department directors and others in leadership positions.  The evidence of this culture can be seen in various policy and procedures, but it is most vividly displayed in the day to day behavior of our employees.

In 2005 Presbyterian Senior Living set out to describe the distinct elements of its leadership culture for the board and staff leadership as it has evolved over time.  In this culture we have blended the concepts of Stewardship, Being Transparent, Striving for Excellence, and Servant Leadership into a unique and practical mix that permeates the entire fabric of Presbyterian Senior Living.

In addition to Presbyterian Senior Living's foundation documents, a monthly newsletter, Reflections on Leadership, is published.  Every month, Steve Proctor, CEO, addresses a facet of leadership that applies to the mission of providing care and services to seniors.