The move from hands-on Infection Preventionist (IP) to a leadership role can be a challenging transition, even for experienced professionals like Shaunte Walton. In an interview with Jacob Hutcherson, Shaunte shared her journey from the ground level of Infection Prevention to overseeing a team, revealing how this shift reshaped her understanding of effective leadership. While her initial instinct was to stay involved in the day-to-day tasks, she soon realized that effective leadership required her to step back, trust her team, and focus on supporting their work in the background.
At first, Shaunte admits she missed the direct involvement of her previous role, especially as she had built her career on the details and hands-on aspects of Infection Prevention. Like many new leaders, she initially attempted to balance both managing and participating in daily tasks. However, her leadership training encouraged her to view her position differently. Reflecting on how she would feel if her manager were still heavily involved in the hands-on tasks, Shaunte realized that true empowerment came from allowing her team to take charge of their responsibilities.
Shaunte’s approach evolved into one centered around empowering her team by removing barriers and acting as their “champion in the background.” She recognized that her primary role as a leader was to facilitate the team’s success rather than to engage directly in their tasks. Her focus shifted from overseeing Infection Prevention activities to providing the resources, encouragement, and problem-solving support that allowed her team to thrive. By stepping back, she created space for her team members to take ownership, increasing both their confidence and competence.
It took about a year for Shaunte to fully embrace this leadership approach and build the skills needed to lead from behind. Her energy shifted to identifying opportunities to unify and support her team across multiple facilities. She concentrated on fostering a collaborative environment, ensuring that each member knew they could rely on one another and reach out when facing challenges. This network of support became the foundation of her leadership style, prioritizing teamwork and accessibility over direct involvement.
Shaunte’s journey illustrates the transformative power of leadership rooted in trust and support. By empowering her team and prioritizing their growth, she was able to build a resilient, self-sufficient group of Infection Preventionists. Her story offers valuable insights into the nuances of leadership, reminding us that the most effective leaders are those who trust their teams to succeed while providing the encouragement and support necessary to build a cohesive, empowered workforce.