Key Highlights
- Dr. Britt Berrett explains why the best way to care for patients is to first care for your people.
- He shares how he turned around a toxic hospital culture by focusing on his team.
- Being the “best boss” isn’t about being easy; it’s about pushing people and celebrating them in ways that matter.
- Leadership requires both a personal touch and a team vision.
- Dr. Berrett’s own best boss shaped his career by combining high expectations with genuine care.
Why Patients Come Second
What if the secret to exceptional patient care isn’t about patients at all? That’s the bold idea Dr. Britt Berrett brought to The Best Boss Podcast. As a former hospital CEO and co-author of Patients Come Second, Dr. Barrett has built his career around a simple truth: if you want great outcomes for patients, you must first invest in the people who take care of them.
When Dr. Berrett arrived at a Dallas hospital as the fourth CEO in just four years, the culture was broken. Morale was low, turnover was high, and the environment was described as toxic. Instead of doubling down on policies or chasing numbers, he focused on the staff. Nurses, doctors, techs, administrators, every role mattered. By prioritizing his team, he laid the foundation for the hospital to heal itself, and ultimately, for patients to receive better care.
The Difference a Best Boss Makes
Dr. Berrett believes that the best bosses aren’t always the easiest to work for. They push you, sometimes uncomfortably, but they also celebrate your successes and make you feel seen. He tells a story about his own best boss, Pete Beone, who pushed him hard as a young administrator but also gave recognition that was deeply personal. That combination of high expectations and genuine care left a lasting impact on Dr. Berrett’s career.
This blend of challenge and support is what separates average bosses from the great ones. It’s not about being liked, it’s about being respected, trusted, and remembered as someone who helped people grow.
Leadership Beyond Healthcare
While Dr. Berrett’s stories come from the healthcare world, the lessons reach far beyond hospitals. Leadership, he reminds us, is both individual and collective. It’s about knowing the strengths and needs of each person on your team while painting a bigger picture of where you’re all headed together.
He puts it simply: leadership is about figuring out who you are, where you’re going, and how your team can get there with you. Along the way, it requires reflection, intentionality, and a commitment to celebrate successes, not just at the finish line, but throughout the journey.
Watch the Conversation
Our conversation with Dr. Berrett is equal parts inspiring and practical, and it will challenge the way you think about leadership. You can watch the full episode above!
Your Turn
Think about your own career, who was your best boss? Was it someone who pushed you, celebrated you, or maybe both? I’d love to hear your story. Share your one word or one sentence about what made your boss the best here: https://dianescottinc.com/one/
