Perspectives Magazine: Spring 2011 - Presbyterian Homes & Services

“We (the board) are the keepers of the
mission, vision and values of PHs”
~Harold Wiens.
P: What is the board’s role in the mission
of PHS?
HW: We are the keepers of the mission,
vision and values of PHS—knowing who
we are, what are our values, who we serve,
what we have to offer, and where we’re
going—then bringing the leadership to
get there.
ao: Our role is to guide, make policy
and not to interfere unreasonably in
operations. We have a special
responsibility. Younger folks have
knowledge and there’s a great deal of
knowledge in the senior management
and staff, but as we get older I think we
give up particular knowledge for wisdom.
Looking at the PHS board and seeing
mature people, it is the perfect place to
apply the wisdom that comes with age.
HW: I agree with Allen about wisdom
and knowledge.
ao: How old are you Harold?
HW: I’m 64.
ao: You’re just a puppy. I’m 72.
HW: When I grow up I want to be just
like you! I appreciate the board members
and staff of PHS. These are people who
are willing to give and take and express
and act. Everyone on the board has been
good at what they do and bring remarkably
different backgrounds to the table.
P: Can you elaborate on the board’s special
responsibility?
ao: It is first to Jesus Christ. We establish
the Christian principles by which we
operate. We also have to do business
successfully or else all that is good about
PHS goes out the door. We have to honor
the Lord and get the job done.
“ Change will be bigger and faster,
with greater challenges.”
HW: It’s essential for the board to move
up and out of day-to-day operations and
look beyond the horizon. We can’t be
hanging around down “low” and expect
to see what’s over the horizon. When
leadership constantly elevates the level of
what they are doing, life is more exciting
and rewarding for the staff who take on
what the leaders used to do. The whole
organization is lifted up.
ao: We couldn’t ask for a better
management leader than Dan Lindh. The
board supports him as he guides the senior
management team. We help him apply his
time and talents wisely because his time
is valuable and his talents are so effective.
His practice of excellence permeates the
rest of the organization.
P: What is in the 5-year Strategic Plan
that excites you and will advance the
mission of PHS?
HW: This is an excellent plan and indicates
to me that the board is doing its job. It
talks about realizing the vision in multiple
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