Wright Medical Center's financial picture started to stabilize with its conversion to critical-access status roughly six years ago. The same could not be said, however, for the hospital's work environment and senior leadership. "We were very reactive and putting out a lot of fires. It wasn't a real pleasant place to work," says Chief Executive Officer Steven J. Simonin.

A strong leadership team can't successfully lead a medical group without a talented, dedicated staff willing to follow. Recognizing that teamwork must permeate throughout the organization, the six-person administrative team at Radiological Associates of Sacramento Medical Group agreed on a mission: to be the "employer of choice," as well as the preeminent imaging services provider, in the greater Sacramento area.

1. Respect each other
2. Empower each other
3. Promote teamwork
4. Place a high value on longevity
5. Help others develop
6. Work well with physicians


- Based on shared traits of Top Leadership Teams winners, 2004-2007.

Chris Van Gorder, CEO of Scripps Health, San Diego, CA, shares a story about how his senior team collaborated with the medical staff to come to terms on payments for emergency room call coverage. He sat on the physician relations panel at the 2007 Top Leadership Teams Conference.

Listen to Van Gorder now