James K. Stoller, M.D., M.S.

JAMES K. STOLLER is professor and chairman of the Education Institute at Cleveland Clinic and a pulmonary/critical care physician in the Respiratory Institute there. He holds the Jean Wall Bennett Professorship in Emphysema Research and the Samson Global Leadership Academy Endowed Chair at Cleveland Clinic. He designed and has codirected the Cleveland Clinic Leading in Health Care course, the Chief Residents’ Leadership Course and the Samson Global Leadership Academy for Healthcare Executives at Cleveland Clinic. He also directed the American Thoracic Society's Emerging Leadership Program. He serves as an adjunct Professor of Organizational Behavior at the Weatherhead School of Management of Case Western Reserve University and as Honorary Visiting Professor at the Cass School of Business in London, UK. He has presented and consulted internationally regarding developing physician leaders at medical schools, business schools, and healthcare organizations.

Example 1

I remember working on one of the biggest projects this division had ever embarked on. There were multiple challenges relating to design and manufacturing and to make things really interesting; the competition said it couldn't be done. But we had this vision and were passionate about the product and were not to be discouraged. After long hours at the office and the encouragement and support of my supervisor, we were able design, patent and produce a high-volume component that was very lucrative for the division. Management was very appreciative of the work performed and gave plaques and other forms of recognition.

Example 2

The safety engineering team has been consistently voicing proper protection equipment when on the shop floor. As I had witnessed on one occasion, vendors would be out of uniform while servicing our plant, yet the safety team would still be there to ensure safety. A big plus that they have not become complacent.

Example 1

During a major acquisition and integration, our Group President was extremely respectful to me and the whole team. As a new employee to Parker, the Group President went out of his way to spend time with me. I was lucky enough to be located near his office. This gave me the ability to go to his office in person and do division reviews and other meetings typically held over the phone. He always took time after these meetings to talk to me and get to know me. Best of all he would mentor me and try and pass on his years of experience as a GM. I will always be grateful for this experience.

He showed a neverending love for Parker and what it stood for. During his subsequent illness, he never complained and came to work every day no matter how bad he felt. The way he handled himself throughout this period inspired others to work harder and fight harder for what they wanted and believed in. He had extreme respect for his senior leadership. Even when he did not agree with their direction, once it was decided, he was 100% supportive of the decision and never looked back.