8 JANUARY 2026IN MY OPINIONEVOLVING LEADERSHIP: FROM RIGIDITY TO EMPOWERMENTWhen I was learning about leadership very early on in my career, I was under the impression that the tougher I was the better results I would get. The truth is that it worked in getting the job done. I was seeing results and the outcomes either matched or exceeded the expectations of the organization. I developed a reputation as a "rising star". My boss at the time thought the world of me and my ability in holding people accountable against their goals is what drove me every day. I knew that working in a fast paced, chaotic environment, that we needed structure, stability and consistency. As time passed, I realized that many people could not keep up at this pace for much longer. The constraints and daily rigor were wearing people down and I was trying to keep the place from collapsing. One morning, the patient safety nurse for the department spoke to me after a huddle and said, "Remember that you will catch more flies with sugar and honey than with vinegar". The quote caused me to reflect and pause.As I thought about the words she shared with me, it really started to resonate. I was getting the job done, but at the expense of others. How could I change my approach to build relationships and trust? I took time to reflect on my career and asked for advice from my colleagues. At around the same time, my boss assigned me an executive coach. I knew something was happening; someone saw value in me and decided to make an investment. I had learned to do the job, but I hadn't yet learned how to Robin is currently the Chief Nursing Officer at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, the flagship facility of the Robert Wood Johnson Health System in Livingston NJ. Prior to being CNO, Robin has held leadership roles at Mount Sinai Health System and New York Presbyterian Hospital.THE REAL OBLIGATION OF LEADERSHIPBy Robin Ferrer, Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer, RWJBarnabas HealthRobin Ferrer
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