Ronald Dwinnells - Dont Pick Up All the Dog Hairs: Lessons for Life and Leadership

PRAISE FOR

DONT PICK UP ALL THE DOG HAIRS

Ron has been a visionary leader in one of the great successes in our US healthcare system, the community health center movement, for over 30 years. Over nearly 20 of those years, I have known and found Ron to be a dedicated, humble, and innovative leader with a wonderful sense of humor. It is so exciting to see his learnings, lessons, and teachings in this book in 30+ accessible and motivating chapters. This book is like having Ron at your side quietly telling you what not to do with the brilliant insights and entertaining style that are uniquely his. Thank you, Ron for sharing and inspiring us with your commitment, caring, and endearing wit!

Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, CVS Health; and Chief Medical Officer, Aetna

Ron Dwinnells is a leader and role model. His gentle wisdom, warm sense of humor, and true humility shine through every line of this valuable set of learnings and teachings about leadership.

Ellen L. Beck, MD, Faculty Director of Faculty and Leadership Development and Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine

I have known Dr. Ronald Dwinnells for over 30 years. We have worked together on multiple levels and in multiple venues. I have observed him over these many years as he has blossomed into an outstanding and revered leader in the healthcare industry and a blessing to underserved communities. Therefore, I can attest to the truth of his warm and insightful narrative on leadership principles. He walks the talk, and people listen. His lessons on leadership F-A-M-E are easily digestible and instructive on how to navigate and negotiate ones journey of leadership. Ron speaks directly to those who intend for their journey to lead to personal fulfillment and sustainability of those who would follow.

Walter J. Clark, Jr., MD, MSHCM, FASAM, Vice President, Primary Care Service Line, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System

Dr. Dwinnells has won our Outstanding MPH Community Faculty Award more times than any faculty in the programwith great reason. His stories and case examples on leadership are the highlight of the class, and I have heard students practicing what he has discussed in classone student had one of his sayings posted on her wall during her doctoral program! I have heard Dr. Dwinnells teach year after year and never get tired of his creative approach and stories!

Amy Lee, MD, MPH, MBA, Professor and Program Director, Consortium of Eastern Ohio, Master of Public Health, Northeast Ohio Medical University

I enjoyed the life lessons shared by Ron in Dont Pick Up All the Dog Hairs. Dr. Dwinnellss distinctive anecdotes told from his relatable perspective are both amusing and edifying. He reminds us that our failures are one of the most important stepping-stones to our success. His tales of what not to do constructed from his own experiences in leadership roles offer an insightful and entertaining guide. I am proud to call Ron a friend and leader in our community.

Edward W. Muransky, CEO, The Muransky Companies

In Dont Pick Up All the Dog Hairs, Dr. Ronald Dwinnells, a highly respected healthcare professional, shares lessons learned from his many years of management experience in a fun and compelling must-read. Incorporating humor and examples, the author makes it easy for the reader to remember and apply the lessons to a variety of situations and improve his or her management skills.

Renee W. Dean, Renee W. Dean Health Care Consulting

Every leader will gain significant insight while enjoying Dr. Dwinnells Dont Pick Up All the Dog Hairs. The format is perfect for the busy professional, and the wisdom is extraordinary. A must-read for those seeking to be a servant leader.

James P. Tressel, President, Youngstown State University

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher and author are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. Nothing herein shall create an attorney-client relationship, and nothing herein shall constitute legal advice or a solicitation to offer legal advice. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Published by Greenleaf Book Group Press

Austin, Texas

www.gbgpress.com

Copyright 2021 Ronald Dwinnells

All rights reserved.

Thank you for purchasing an authorized edition of this book and for complying with copyright law. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the copyright holder.

Distributed by Greenleaf Book Group

For ordering information or special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Greenleaf Book Group at PO Box 91869, Austin, TX 78709, 512.891.6100.

Design and composition by Greenleaf Book Group and Teresa Muniz

Cover design by Greenleaf Book Group and Teresa Muniz

Cover images used under license from Shutterstock.com/Eric Isselee,

Shutterstock.com/Feng Yu. Bone icon from The Noun Project/Adrien Coquet

Illustrations by Daria Sansoterra

Publishers Cataloging-in-Publication data is available.

Print ISBN: 978-1-62634-869-1

eBook ISBN: 978-1-62634-870-7

Part of the Tree Neutral program, which offsets the number of trees consumed in the production and printing of this book by taking proactive steps, such as planting trees in direct proportion to the number of trees used: www.treeneutral.com

Printed in the United States of America on acid-free paper

21 22 23 24 25 26 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

First Edition

This book is lovingly dedicated to my parents, Hisako Yoshikawa Dwinnells, who had the will and courage to survive Allied bombings of her Japanese homeland during World War II, and Donald Arthur Dwinnells, retired US Army serviceman who fought to defend his country in World War II and the Korean conflict. They bestowed life, love, and the means to overcome adversities.

It is also dedicated to my in-laws, John N. Cernica, PhD, an internationally renowned civil engineer and university professor, who gave the gift of knowledge to students throughout the world, and Patricia Marinelli Cernica, who imparted spiritual wisdom to my life.

Finally, I dedicate this book to my wife, Kathy, who gave her full encouragement and devotion to me and this endeavor.

Their inspiration helped fulfill my dreams and passions.

Errare humanum est,
perseverare diabolicum.

Meaning: To err is human,
to persist in it is diabolical!

CHAPTER 1:
Dont Live in a Fishbowl

CHAPTER 2:
Dont Pick Up All the Dog Hairs

CHAPTER 3:
Dont Turn Down FAME

CHAPTER 4:
Dont Neglect Your Passion

CHAPTER 5:
Dont Fly with Turkeys

CHAPTER 6:
Dont Bend Principles

CHAPTER 7:
Dont Pass the Buck

CHAPTER 8:
Dont Be a Shoemaker

CHAPTER 9:
Dont Be a Squirrel

CHAPTER 10:
Dont Fail to Prioritize

CHAPTER 11:
Dont Be Fooled

CHAPTER 12:
Dont Turn a Grudge into Revenge