In any organization, titles often come with a certain level of authority and access, making it easier to enact change and drive initiatives forward. However, Angel Mueller’s experience in Infection Prevention shows that true leadership doesn’t always require a formal title. Angel shared with Jacob in a recent interview the challenges she faced when she didn’t yet have a management title, and how she managed to influence her department and contribute to its success regardless.
Angel’s approach to leadership has always been guided by a simple yet powerful principle: doing what is best for patients and healthcare workers, regardless of her position. This unwavering commitment served as her “true north,” enabling her to stay focused on the ultimate goal of improving infection prevention practices, whether she was a staff member, a lead, or eventually, a manager.
One of the significant barriers Angel encountered during her time as a lead Infection Preventionist was related to hiring. Without a formal management title, she didn’t have the authority to hire new staff, which created challenges when trying to fill openings in the department. This structural limitation within the HR framework was a source of frustration, as it slowed down the process of building and maintaining a strong team. Additionally, not being included in management meetings posed another challenge. Important information and decisions were often discussed in these meetings, and as a lead, Angel sometimes found herself out of the loop, relying on secondhand information to address issues and guide her team.
Despite these obstacles, Angel didn’t let the lack of a title hinder her ability to make an impact. She focused on fostering collaboration within the organization, reaching out to managers and department heads to address problems and work on solutions together. Her proactive approach allowed her to build strong relationships and ensure that Infection Prevention remained a priority, even if she wasn’t always in the room where decisions were made.
Angel’s story is a testament to the power of influence and collaboration in driving change, regardless of one’s formal position within an organization. By prioritizing the needs of patients and healthcare workers, and by building bridges with key stakeholders, Angel was able to contribute to her department’s success long before she held a management title. Her experience highlights that leadership is not defined by a title, but by the actions one takes and the commitment one shows to the mission at hand.