January 30 Strong leadership key for business success (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Strong leadership is a key to business success at all levels of an organization, says Peter Bernard, CEO of Bon Secours Virginia Health System.

"My strategy is to hire the person, not the experience," Bernard said, "and empower them to make decisions and realize success for themselves and for the organization."

The regional health-care system looks for risk-takers who want to challenge the status quo and improve existing processes, he said.

"When you support and empower your team to work autonomously and make decisions without fear, they become committed to the mission and goals of the organization," Bernard said. "That is one of the most important keys to success."