The Single Most Important Word at Keck Medicine of USC: Trust

How our culture of positivity, integrity and teamwork make us stronger

When I was in my early 20s, I served as an officer in the Submarine Force. I was packed into a Los Angeles-class fast-attack nuclear submarine in the San Diego Bay with hundreds of other young men.

One of the many jobs officers performed was to oversee the safe operation of the nuclear power “plant” that powered the submarine.

If anything went wrong, like a nuclear accident, it would be catastrophic for the crew and potentially the population of San Diego and neighboring communities.

It was during this time that I began to fully comprehend the definition of the word trust. My crew members had to trust each other to follow safety protocols and make quick decisions should something go wrong.

Nurturing this bond was a delicate balancing act that required confidence in the judgment and ability of our peers and a dedication to a purpose larger than ourselves.

I tell this story because trust has been the cornerstone of my leadership philosophy since joining Keck Medicine of USC in 2015.

As we approach the end of the fiscal year, it’s time to take stock of the culture of trust, teamwork and positivity we have built at Keck Medicine of USC, which is integral to our success.

For me, trust is a multifaceted concept that incorporates important principles such as integrity and accountability. It is doing the right thing, staying true to your commitments, providing honest feedback to others and opening up oneself to constructive feedback.

Respect, kindness and compassion are key components. When we believe others have the best intentions in mind, we are more likely to respond with an open, generous heart, and to give people grace.

Humility — knowing that no one is inherently better than anyone else — is also woven into my notion of trust. So is genuinely caring about people and respecting the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their perceived status or position.

My fellow Keck Medicine leaders are partners in building our culture of trust. We highlight the importance of honesty, humility and kindness in trainings and leadership meetings. And I personally attend the majority of new hire orientations to talk about our values as an organization because I believe they are so central to our work.

Of course, it’s important that I practice what I preach. In the Submarine Force, I had three captains with three distinct personalities and their leadership style set the tone for the entire crew. I quickly realized the impact top leaders cast on an organization’s culture — often referred to as the shadow of the leader. And I have learned the value of a calm, supportive demeanor — especially in times of adversity.

I want to thank you for your part in creating a caring work environment. Your positive attitude benefits your colleagues, the organization and our patients. It’s no coincidence that Keck Medicine quality metrics and patient experience scores are very high. Your efforts make a difference and will continue to do so in the coming years.

Trust is not just confined to a military submarine. It is alive and well at Keck Medicine. With your support, it will continue to be a defining part of who we are as individuals and as an organization.

For me, trust is a multifaceted concept that incorporates important principles such as integrity and accountability. It is doing the right thing, staying true to your commitments, providing honest feedback to others and opening up oneself to constructive feedback.

Rod Hanners, CEO of Keck Medicine of USC

Topics