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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Michael Cripps, Section Chief for Trauma and Acute Care Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Trauma Medical Director at the Anschutz Medical Campus, and Chair of the SAGES Committee on Acute Care Surgery. A nationally recognized leader in trauma and acute care surgery, Dr. Cripps brings a wealth of experience shaped by high-impact leadership roles, a robust academic career, and a deep commitment to education and mentorship.

We explore his journey from clinician-scientist to transformative leader, his philosophy on building strong team culture, and the importance of managing up. Dr. Cripps shares hard-earned lessons about emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and the influence of martial arts on his leadership style. He reflects on pivotal moments, including turning conflict into collaboration, and emphasizes the need for humility, reflection, and continual learning in surgical leadership.

Takeaways

• Dr. Cripps attributes his success to the guidance of mentors throughout his career.
• Learning from both good and bad leaders is crucial for personal growth.
• Feeling unprepared for leadership roles is a common experience and can be beneficial.
• A strong team culture is built on shared values and a common mission.
• Listening to team members is essential for new leaders to understand existing cultures.
• Building relationships is more important than titles in leadership.
• Resilience is a key component of a strong team culture.
• Leaders must align their goals with the organization's mission for success.
• Effective leadership requires checking one's ego and understanding others' stressors.
• Detaching from emotional responses is crucial in leadership.
• Conflict is an inevitable part of leadership.
• Finding common ground is essential in conflict resolution.
• Leadership skills should be developed early in one's career.
• Emotional intelligence is a key component of effective leadership.
• Leadership is a continuous journey of self-improvement.