Igniting Sparks of Leadership and Recognition at Midland Health
At Midland Health, innovation and personal leadership thrive in every corner of the
organization. Sometimes, these qualities spark brightest in the most unexpected ways. For
Adrienna Lesser, the nurse manager of the Mother Baby unit, leadership means more than
managing tasks; it means fostering a culture where her team feels seen, valued, and
inspired. Her story demonstrates how even small initiatives can have a resounding impact
when they are born from passion and a commitment to recognizing the extraordinary in
others.
Adrienna recently launched the SPARK program, a unique and heartfelt recognition
initiative that celebrates individuals on her team who embody the qualities of a true leader.
This program was inspired by her conversations with Joe Tye, the creator of Midland
Health’s Culture of Ownership program. Tye is a champion for empowering individuals to
see their roles as more than just jobs, urging them to become "sparks" who ignite passion
and drive within their teams. His philosophy resonates deeply with those who believe in the
power of ownership and accountability in the workplace.
In one of their discussions, Joe Tye shared a concept that became the spark behind
Adrienna’s program. He explained that people can generally be grouped into three
categories along what he calls the "Attitude Bell Curve." There are the "spark plugs," who
go above and beyond, driving change and embodying empowerment. Then, there are the
"zombies," who stick to routine without an inspired sense of purpose, and the "vampires,"
who resist engagement altogether. Inspired by the vision of cultivating spark plugs on her
team, Adrienna decided to turn this metaphor into a tangible celebration of excellence.
Adrienna's SPARK program recognizes team members who step up as leaders, contribute
innovative ideas, and exemplify a commitment to their patients and colleagues. To
symbolize this recognition, she collaborated with a provider in the Mother Baby unit who
has a passion for 3D printing. Together, they developed small 3D-printed spark plugs as
tokens of appreciation. Each spark plug is accompanied by a heartfelt letter from
Adrienna, expressing gratitude and showcasing the recipient’s contributions to the team.
What makes the SPARK program so extraordinary is its simplicity. The materials cost no
more than $10, but the impact on the team is priceless. Adrienna takes the time to write
personalized letters, snap photos, and even post these moments of recognition on the
unit’s TV screens. These gestures, though modest in execution, create a ripple effect of
positivity and inspire others to follow in the footsteps of the "sparks."
This initiative not only reinforces the principles of Midland Health’s Culture of Ownership,
but also bridges the gap between leadership philosophies and actionable change. At its
heart, the SPARK program is about creating a workplace where individuals feel empowered
to go beyond the expectations of their job descriptions. Adrienna’s leadership transforms
job duties from a mere checklist into a launching pad for creativity, personal growth, and a
sense of pride in the organization.
The results speak for themselves. By investing time and energy into recognizing her team,
Adrienna is cultivating a thriving environment where engagement grows and employees
feel genuinely valued. Her initiative ties directly into Midland Health’s broader mission of
fostering recognition and accountability, setting an example that other leaders across the
organization can emulate.
Adrienna’s story reminds us that leadership isn’t always about grand gestures or sweeping
changes. Sometimes, it’s about seeing the potential in others, igniting their passion, and
celebrating their contributions in meaningful ways. Her SPARK program is a shining
example of how recognition can transform a team, making her unit a beacon of inspiration
within Midland Health.
For those interested in learning more about the SPARK program or implementing
recognition initiatives in their own units, Adrienna Lesser is a resource and example worth
reaching out to. Her dedication reminds us that, in any workplace, it only takes one spark
to ignite a culture of ownership and pride.