40 Fast & Future Leaders: Adam Krisby, RN, BSN, MBA on Breaking Barriers and Leading with Purpose
Whitman Partners is thrilled to celebrate Adam Krisby, RN, BSN, MBA as one of the inaugural honorees of the 40 Fast & Future Leaders of Surgical Services.
Adam’s leadership philosophy stands out for its focus on uniting teams, fostering collaboration, and addressing challenges with a people-first mindset. His insights are not only inspiring but offer actionable strategies for other OR leaders looking to create stronger teams and better patient outcomes.
Here, we dive into the leadership principles that have shaped Adam’s success.
Building Bridges: Breaking Down Silos
One of the greatest challenges Adam has faced in his career is leading siloed teams—divided by discipline, shifts, or even tenure.
“I approach these challenges as opportunities to build one team,” Adam explains. “We all have one goal and can learn from each other. By stepping back and seeing the problems from all perspectives, I can guide team members through their barriers.”
This decentralized approach has allowed Adam to foster unity and create a culture of shared goals and mutual respect within his teams.
Trust and Collaboration: The Role of Emotional Intelligence
Adam emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in fostering trust and collaboration within the operating room.
“The most important thing to do is be present and be an active listener,” he says. By taking time to listen to his team and addressing concerns—sometimes even in real time—Adam builds trust and ensures his team feels heard.
This approach helps create a collaborative environment where staff are empowered to voice their ideas and concerns, knowing their leader is both attentive and responsive.
Empowering Staff: Unit-Based Councils
For Adam, empowering his team goes beyond daily operations. He implements unit-based councils to give staff a voice in solving challenges within their departments.
“It’s very important for the team to have a voice and be an active member in the solution to the unit’s problems,” Adam says. “If staff feel heard and have a hand in the solution, they are more likely to stay and advance within the system.”
This strategy not only increases engagement but also strengthens the team’s investment in their work and their workplace.
Leadership Superpower: Presence and Approachability
What sets Adam apart as a leader is his daily presence and personal connection with staff.
“The most important thing for a team to have is a leader that is not only present but approachable,” Adam shares. “I round on the team daily and often take time for hallway conversations about their lives and work. Staff knowing that I care about them as people, not just employees, creates a family-like atmosphere at work.”
This personal connection fosters trust, boosts morale, and drives better outcomes across the board.
Key Advice: Focus on Processes, Not Just People
Adam’s advice to OR leaders is to take a process-driven and people-focused approach.
“If you have a team member that is struggling, the first response for many leaders is, ‘that person isn’t cutting it.’ Instead, talk to the person, find out their barriers, and see what’s preventing them from succeeding,” Adam advises.
By improving processes instead of replacing people, Adam helps his team overcome challenges while retaining valuable staff—an especially critical approach in today’s healthcare environment.
“Too often in this industry, we look at the person before the process. I think we need to talk to the person to improve the process,” Adam says.
Why Adam Krisby Inspires Us
Adam Krisby’s leadership stands as an example of how compassion, collaboration, and a focus on people can drive extraordinary results in perioperative services.
At Whitman Partners, we are proud to recognize Adam as one of the 40 Fast & Future Leaders of Surgical Services. His innovative strategies and people-first mindset make him a leader to watch as he continues to shape the future of surgical services.
Congratulations, Adam, on this well-deserved recognition!
