#ValuesSuperStars: Latisha Johnson – Leading through Example and Empathy
Each of us has a teammate who sets the standard in connecting with everyone they touch in the special ways the moment demands. Clinical Support Tech Latisha (“Tish”) Johnson is this example for her team, and it’s why she was nominated as one of our UNC Health #ValuesSuperStars.
Patients and teammates throughout our organization face many challenges with their health and well-being. Things are no different on 4 Oncology at UNC Medical Center, where Latisha’s empathy and compassion are much needed and appreciated by her teammate, Zoe Givens. “[Latisha] understands how everyone is going through a hard time, and she treats patients and teammates with dignity and respect,” Givens said. “She’s just there for them, and all of the care that she’s given has been truly professional and exactly how I would want my family members to be treated or how I would want to be treated if I was in the hospital.”
“Latisha has paid careful attention to the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on her teammates “I admire her ability to recognize burnout,” Givens added. “We have to really be attuned to how our [teammates] are feeling and what their day is like, and really step in and help if someone has a lot going on. Latisha is always willing to help when needed, offering her ears to listen and her hands in support.”
“Everybody can have a bad day sometimes,” Givens said. “I’ve seen that if one of our [teammates] didn’t show the patient some kindness that day when they should have, [Latisha] will pull them aside and say, ‘Look, you’re having a hard day, but you can’t say that around them. You have to know that they’re feeling anxious and stressed.’ She’s making sure that we are all living up to that high standard that she sets.”
It’s clear that Latisha is Leading the Way in building one-on-one relationships. Building up the whole group is another one of Latisha’s hallmarks. “She knows how to work well as a team. She lifts everyone up and makes the whole organization better,” Givens said. “Even when we are short-staffed and things are kind of crazy with COVID, she makes sure to not rush. She takes her time, she speaks in a way that shows empathy for what the patients are going through and she exemplifies the Carolina Care value.”
In summing up her gratitude for Latisha, Givens said, “Tish is one of my favorite people to work with. I just want to thank her for being such a great teammate and tell her that I hope I can live up to that standard and make sure we are all working together as a team and working through this hard time together.”
Thank you, Latisha, for being one of our #ValuesSuperStars and part of our One Great Team.
Read other #ValuesSuperStars stories.