40 Fast & Future Leaders: Chad Thompson
For Chad Thompson, Executive Director of Perioperative and Procedural Services at Loyola University Medical Center, leadership is about creating a culture of care—both for patients and for his team. With a distinguished career in perioperative services, Chad has embraced a leadership philosophy centered on appreciative inquiry, engagement, and accountability. His ability to transform clinical environments through collaboration and vision makes him a standout leader in surgical services today.
The Power of Appreciative Inquiry in Leadership
Retention and engagement remain two of the most pressing challenges in perioperative services. For Chad, the solution lies in appreciative inquiry (AI), a strengths-based approach that fosters collaboration and a shared vision for the future.
“One leadership philosophy that I routinely use is appreciative inquiry. It engages stakeholders to build consensus on what is going right and develop a vision for the future,” Chad explains.
This methodology has proven effective in multiple clinical settings, particularly in times of transition. “In my most recent example, we used appreciative inquiry to help transition out of a staffing crisis and foster engagement. Today, we have removed all agency and travel contracts, have fostered some of the highest engagement scores within the organization, and seen increases in our patient experience scores.”
By focusing on what is working and collaboratively shaping the future, Chad has successfully built teams that are engaged, motivated, and committed to excellence.
Winning Over Challenging Stakeholders
Engaging difficult stakeholders is a challenge in any leadership role, but Chad believes that even the most disconnected or frustrated colleagues can be won over with the right approach.
“It is not uncommon to encounter disconnected or frustrated colleagues. Everyone experiences different levels of frustration in their lives. Working through the appreciative inquiry model allows those stakeholders to express their frustrations positively,” he says.
Rather than dismissing concerns, Chad invites these individuals to be part of the vision and solution. “Reconnecting is possible as the group crafts and collaborates around the future vision. After that, it is imperative to remain consistent and dedicated to holding everyone accountable to the plan.”
By fostering a sense of ownership and maintaining accountability, Chad ensures that every stakeholder feels heard, valued, and integral to the success of the organization.
Caring as a Leadership Superpower
For Chad, leadership boils down to one essential trait: caring.
“My duty as a nurse is to care for the patient. My duty as a leader is to care for the team,” he states.
Chad believes that effective leadership is about more than just strategy and execution; it requires a genuine commitment to the development of people and the cultivation of a positive culture. “I remain focused on developing the team and the culture. I ensure that the environment, structure, and processes are appropriately aligned to ensure optimal patient outcomes.”
His unwavering focus on people-first leadership has made a lasting impact on both patient care and staff engagement, solidifying his reputation as an innovative and compassionate leader in surgical services.
Shaping the Future of Surgical Services
Chad Thompson exemplifies the qualities of a transformative perioperative leader. Through his commitment to appreciative inquiry, his ability to engage even the most challenging stakeholders, and his unwavering dedication to caring for his team, he has set a new standard for excellence in surgical services.
Whitman Partners is proud to recognize Chad Thompson as one of the 40 Fast & Future Leaders of Surgical Services. His leadership journey serves as an inspiration for the next generation of perioperative leaders, demonstrating that trust, accountability, and a people-first mindset are the keys to success in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
