Five leadership lessons from an ASC CEO

Editor's Note

Neeraja Kikkeri, DDS, CEO of North Texas Team Care Surgery Center, drew on her unique perspective as a mother of five to guide her leadership in the demanding field of ambulatory surgery center (ASC) management. On November 14, she shared with D Magazine five strategies for fostering a productive, supportive environment in both life and business.

1. Delegate with purpose

Kikkeri emphasized the importance of delegation, likening it to managing a household of five children. At an ASC, each team member has specific responsibilities, and often the experienced staff will mentor newer employees, fostering a collaborative and learning-focused culture. Delegation ensures everyone contributes to the success of the organization.

2. Empower through responsibility

Empowerment, according to Kikkeri, is about trusting team members to make decisions and manage tasks suited to their skills. By giving employees autonomy while remaining available for guidance, she fosters independence, confidence, and resilience within her team.

3. Provide constructive feedback

Constructive criticism is key to growth. Kikkeri believes in offering feedback that is actionable and supportive, focusing on improvement rather than blame. This approach helps employees feel encouraged and motivated to enhance their performance.

4. Listen beyond words

Active listening extends beyond hearing what is being said—it includes picking up on unspoken concerns and underlying tensions. By staying observant and empathetic, Kikkeri addresses issues before they escalate, ensuring her team feels heard and supported.

5. Balance compassion with accountability

As a mother and business leader, Kikkeri balances empathy with the need to enforce accountability. Setting clear expectations helps employees understand their roles while maintaining a compassionate and understanding work environment.

Kikkeri’s leadership style reflects her belief that trust, collaboration, and calm under pressure are essential for success in both parenting and ASC management. By applying these principles, she has created a workplace where employees feel valued and empowered, driving growth and efficiency at her ASC.