Michael Cothran from the Office of Development is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star leader. “We are fortunate to have a work culture that encourages and supports employees at every level,” Cothran said. “I’ve always challenged myself and others to explore new ideas, processes and tools.” Read more of Cothran’s interview, and find out how you can nominate a Super Star.
Q&A: Michael Cothran, July – September 2015 Leader
Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Michael Cothran, Development Manager, Texas Children’s Hospital Office of Development. I have been an employee at Texas Children’s Hospital since 2007.
What month are you Super Star for?
July – September 2015
Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
I thought I was going to a staff meeting but all of my coworkers had gathered to congratulate me on the award. The Office of Development runs at a pretty fast pace so I really appreciated everyone taking a few minutes out of their day to celebrate.
What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do? How has the organization helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?
It really makes that hard work even more meaningful. We are fortunate to have a work culture that encourages and supports employees at every level. I’ve always challenged myself and others to explore new ideas, processes and tools. These efforts have consistently been supported by the organization, and I believe we have grown stronger as a result.
What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
There really isn’t one simple recipe. When I look around at the most successful people in our organization, I see a variety of traits and characteristics. Key among them are selflessness, enthusiasm, confidence and integrity.
What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
In my role in the Office of Development, I have the opportunity to interact with many of the top leaders at Texas Children’s Hospital. I’m always impressed by the scope of the vision that they share. While there are needs that must be answered today, there is always an eye toward tomorrow. Knowing that Texas Children’s has great plans for the future is a strong motivator.
What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
The mission is very clear. It feels good to do purposeful work that will have a lasting impact.
What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
We are all in a unique position to proactively influence the path that we are traveling. I think this is key to the ongoing success of Texas Children’s.
I believe that leadership is the ability to understand the need for transformation or preservation and then to actively support the pursuit of either.
Anything else you want to share?
I’d simply like to thank those who nominated and selected me for this award. It is a true honor.