by Ann McGee-Cooper, 12.19.11
This morning, Larry, my husband, went with me for my third infusion of chemotherapy. Tammy Johnson was the nurse and after observing how skillfully she did every aspect of her work, Larry decided to tip her. She was especially skillful inserting the infusion needle and finding the vein. Previously another nurse tried several times without success and then called Tammy. All through the four-hour treatment she was very attentive and as one medication was completed she quickly moved to the next, carefully explaining as she did so what she was doing and what I could expect. She was very positive and reassuring and moved with quiet confidence.
When Larry told me his idea I didn’t think she would accept a tip. But Larry insisted and told her to please go buy herself a dozen roses as his thank you to her. She was so nurturing, skillful and dedicated and he appreciated the exceptional care she brought to his wife.
She was so grateful saying that she had the least time working in the infusion clinic and it meant so much to know that he saw her as exceptionally skillful and committed to her patients.
The spirit of servant leadership can happen anywhere, anytime. I was touched both by Larry’s actions to express appreciation to someone who works very hard each day in an emotionally demanding job and may or may not receive much specific appreciation. It was clear that this made a huge difference in her day as it did for us. Servant leadership is the spirit of noticing those around you and finding creative ways to lift their spirits, nurture their hearts and grow their sense of leading through a servant’s heart. It can happen anywhere, anytime. And it did this morning!
We later found out that Tammy took Larry’s gift and in the spirit of servant leadership, decided to “pay it forward” and donate the money to the Komen Foundation for the Cure in our name.
“Your gift to me the other day touched my heart deeply because I felt the love behind it! However, the opportunity to meet, care for, and pray for wonderful people such as yourselves is my true reward. I gifted, in your honor Ann, what I received from you to the Komen Foundation for the Cure. You both have touched my life in a profound way and I am grateful… God Bless you.”
Tammy Johnson, R.N.
Infusion Nurse, Medical City, Dallas
"I worked with AMCA during the 1980's and mid 1990's as a group executive for one of the world's largest engineering and construction companies. Ann and her team helped me achieve a personal cultural transformation; helped me develop a successful team of business unit leaders; and helped build teaming relationships among the corporation's executive management."