Empowering the Next Generation of Quality Leaders
Taking on new challenges is nothing new for Dr. Jerry Greco. Jerry has had a rich and varied career—from a Microbiologist in a lab to leading teams and companies in the Quality function.
At Baxter, Jerry is championing new ways of getting work done while embracing agility, innovation, and quality delivery & execution. Through it all, the common denominator has been an insistence on developing people and their careers while creating a leadership pipeline for the future. Here are Jerry's thoughts on building a career with meaning and purpose.
“We make the critical products that people depend on at the most important times in their life.”
“People put their full trust in Baxter and expect that our products perform as they are intended. They may not even know it's a Baxter product, but they trust us, and we have a big responsibility to fulfill that trust. I feel very strongly about this promise we make to our patients and healthcare providers. This is why I've always worked in the healthcare industry. We have the ability to touch so many lives. People don't choose our products necessarily. They have enough to worry about in the midst of a crisis. Our products should not be one of them.”
My Advice to You
Many years ago, a mentor of mine sat me down and gave me some advice which has stuck with me for my entire career. I wrote down these four points and hung them in my office for many years so that I would remember them. And I share them as often as I can.
1. Be Audible and Be Visible
It is essential to have a voice, show up, and be engaged in the conversation. If you sit quietly and do not contribute, people may question whether you are even listening. I always try to find something to say, even if it is to ask a question or acknowledge what someone else has said. This shows that you are listening and care about what they do and say. It is also important to be visible where the action takes place–in our plants and labs and within our functions. Get to know the people, understand their issues and concerns, and see firsthand how global programs and initiatives are received.
2. Create Partnerships
Through good communication and collaboration skills, you can build a network of people who can help you get things done. Through these partnerships, you can influence outcomes, build strong teams, and work together to achieve common goals.
3. Surround Yourself with Great People
You are only as successful as your team. It is essential to surround yourself with the best talent possible. This means building your team with the right people and the right capabilities in the right roles. As a leader, you need to be able to identify and develop talent and be willing to invest in their growth and development. You also need to be able to take chances on people, not just based on what they have done in the past, but on what they are capable of doing in the future.
4. Follow Through on Commitments
If you say that you are going to do something, you need to do it and do it right and on time. If priorities change, you should communicate this as soon as possible, not when you are late. This shows that you are reliable and that you can be trusted.
Staying Connected to our work
I always try to be visible on the plant floor and talk to people who are directly involved in the manufacturing process. I believe it’s important to stay connected to the people who are doing the work and to understand their challenges and opportunities. I care about them and the work they do. I take every opportunity to ask questions and learn more. You have to stay curious, and you have to step out of your comfort zone, which is why I make it a point to talk to people at all levels of the organization.
Our Reputation is our promise
I’m excited about Baxter’s future, and we have so many opportunities ahead of us in Quality. We have three pillars that define our Global Quality Vision: Strengthen the Foundation, Prioritize People, and Innovate for the Future. One area I am especially excited about is building our capabilities in the digital space. With so much ahead of us there has never been a better time to join the Quality team at Baxter.
Join Our Talent Community
We're grateful for your interest in a career with Baxter, and would like to get to know you. Joining our Talent Community is a great way to stay connected, learn more about Baxter, and help our recruiters find you if there's an opportunity that aligns with your background, skills and interests.