By Tanesha Dyer, Freelance Writer
Anderson, CEO Cornwall Regional Hospital. - Patrick Campbell/Staff Photographer
WESTERN BUREAU:
HUMILITY, PERSEVERANCE, discipline and dedication are words which aptly epitomise 28-year-old Everton Anderson BSc, MBA, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay and the 2003 All-Island Boss of the Year.
For him, however, it was never merely about winning or losing.
"I was thrilled and felt a sense of joy when I won but I don't go into situations thinking win or lose. I think win-win. I always put in my best effort to ensure that I do very well. Moreover, I was elected by employees to do my best. I had to represent them well," he said.
But there was no popping of champagne corks in celebration of this honour. Mr. Anderson maintains that while he was happy his family and co-workers did all the celebration.
"Humility is something deeply embedded in me, I don't do much celebration in terms of my personal achievements."
Great rapport
Mr. Anderson was appointed as CEO of the hospital in July 2002 and has not only developed a great rapport with his staff of over 800, he leads them by example. One could easily walk into the laundry department of the hospital and make a request of the attendant only to realise that it was the big man himself!
So how does he feel supervising older personnel, including his own secretary who is older than he is? He shrugged his shoulders, disagreeing with the notion that it poses a problem. He explained his leadership strategy. "I have realised that work requires management and it also includes walking around. It is good to be on the ground knowing your staff encouraging them and empathising with their concerns."
He added that his actions are not designed to win support but to formulate cordial and mutual relationships between management and staff.
A knock on the door, and he got up.
"Thank you for the card and pen," a male voice echoed. He returned to his chair smiling. He revealed that the man is the accountant at the hospital who was thanking him for the token he received on his birthday. Mr. Anderson told Outlook that he has implemented a birthday scheme and staff members have been receiving small tokens on their special day.
He was instrumental in having "the first" staff appreciation day in the history of the institution, in December 2002. According to Mr. Anderson, staff welfare activities have peaked since his appointment and he has been intimately involved in these activities.
Mr. Anderson is a graduate of Springfield All-Age School and Cornwall College. On leaving Cornwall College he enrolled at the Mona School of Business, University of the West Indies (UWI) where he pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management studies. On completion of his B.Sc. he did his Master's in Business Administration (MBA) specialising in Public Sector Management. While at the UWI, Anderson was involved in mentorship and quality circle leadership programme.
Mr. Anderson currently serves as the president of the Past Students Association of the Springfield All-Age School. Since 1996 he has been active in the health sector, working as a parish manager/adminis-trator, St. James Health Department, administrator at the Western Regional Health Authority, parish manager Westmoreland Public Health Department, and parish manager/administrator Trelawny Health Department.
So where is he taking the institution in the future? Mr. Anderson said, "I have developed a strategic vision of where we need to go. We will improve our facilities significantly, putting in a new central air system, which will be our energy conservation project. In terms of technical delivery of health services, we want to become closer to our clients."
He said that plans are also in place for an improved communication, infrastructure and an environment which will enhance the healing process.
Still single
Mr. Anderson, a confirmed bachelor who is not yet a father, said that to date marriage and children are "unrealised dreams." He stated, however, that he has no problem with marriage "as long as the circumstances are appropriate and in a situation that makes me happy."
He is fond of cooking, reading, socialising and enjoys engagements in community building. He confessed to be a warm-hearted, people person and loves interacting with people. Meeting new people, Mr. Anderson said, is always an opportunity to develop friendships that can lead to some synergistic relationship.
Outlook asks if he was a workaholic. "I love my work," he said between chuckles, "anything I do I learn to love it because that's how you excel at it."
He is the first of two children for his parents Wesley and Wilma Anderson. His brother is at present on campus at the University of the West Indies.
His outlook on life is simple, "... life is a gift and should be enjoyed to the fullest."
