Servant Leadership Snapshot
Devereux’s talented and hard-working team members lead to serve, while inspiring others to learn and grow. Our “Servant Leadership Snapshot” series shines a light on exemplary servant leaders across our organization who empower all those around them to be their best selves. Look below to read features written by these compassionate collaborators as they help their teams, programs, departments and centers reach even greater heights through Servant Leadership.
Kaylee Seeley, Outpatient Operations Program Manager 
Center/office location: Devereux Arizona - Tucson
Length of service: June 2016
How do you embed an inclusive, Servant Leadership mindset into your daily processes?
One way I do this is to seek first to understand, then be understood. By doing so, I hope to model valuing others’ perspectives. I genuinely want to learn from all those around me and embrace diverse minds. I strive to be empathetic to others and embrace the fact that mistakes happen - they are an opportunity for us to learn and grow.
How do you inspire others to embrace Servant Leadership practices?
I am committed to keeping a Servant Leadership mindset at the forefront of our daily work. I believe the best way to inspire people is to lead by example. I begin meetings by reminding my team of our Servant Leadership commitment. We honor staff with Servant Leadership shoutouts and recognize a “Servant Leader of the Week.” What better way to be inspired than to hear about the amazing work our team members do day in and day out.
Share an example or story of how you demonstrated compassion or delivered quality customer service at your center.
I’m so very honored to share this story, as it will forever hold a special place in my heart. Last May, when we witnessed the tragic death of George Floyd, I was compelled to reach out to my staff to check in on them, see how they were doing, and ask if there was any way I might be able to support them during that incredibly sad, scary and horrific time. I just wanted them to know that I was there for them and I cared. During one of those phone calls, I learned I had made a significant impact on one of our team members. With her permission, I’ll share a bit of what she told me: “As I presented myself as a shield of hope for others during the COVID-19 quarantine and the openness of black oppression, I didn’t cry until you, Kaylee, gave me permission to cry. Your permission began when you invited me to share a seat beside you during my interview. THAT was the promotion I had sought for 22 years. Thank you … and I cried. So you see, Kaylee, my tears are the release of suppression, thank you for pulling the plug and allowing my tears to flow free at last.” I think it’s important for us to remember that just a small act of kindness, and compassion goes a long way. We never know what our colleagues, the individuals in our care or their families are going through.
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