Dedicated, attentive - and a woman who’s not afraid to put her foot down

She is 54 years old, and for the past 25 years, she has been a manager in various contexts within the Danish healthcare system. She has most recently spent five years as managing hospital director of Odense University Hospital, an organisation with approx. 9,500 employees and an annual gross operating budget of DKK 6.2 billion.

Omnibus caught up with Jane Kraglund for an interview about her upcoming role as university director.

In these turbulent times, many administrative employees have been looking forward to finding out who the new university director would be. Who is Jane Kraglund?

"Firstly, I would describe myself as being dedicated and committed to my work. "I also have a drive to reach the goals that need to be reached. At the same time I’m also aware that it’s the organisation that has to reach these goals, not me personally, so I place a high priority on dialogue with the employees. And this doesn’t just mean employees in the administration, which is my base, but also the employees in the rest of the organisation. as this is the only way we can set the right goals."

How would you describe your management style?

"I think it’s really important to involve employees in processes and ensure that there’s support for decisions and goals. Looking at things from a strategic perspective, I would say that I have a value-based management style. I don’t just say, this is how it’s going to be from now on. I manage based on what is right and wrong in relation to the values that characterise the organisation."

Talking about right and wrong. You’re starting at a time when many in the administration feel that there’s a lack of respect for their contribution to the organisation. The rector has said that he finds the divide that exists between administrative/technical staff and academic staff to be one of the most significant problems at AU. What’s your view on this?

"I agree. Everyone needs to be met with respect for their professional skills."

As the coming university director, what can you bring to the table in this context?

"I have a lot of experience from different workplaces, so I’ve been involved in issues similar to those (according to what I’ve read) being faced by the university. I believe that I’ve achieved some results that document that I can help meet these challenges.” And what is required? "I believe what’s required is dialogue, involvement and communication."

In a portrait article in connection with your 50th birthday, I read the following in the Danish newspaper Fyens Stiftstidende: “During her childhood in Vendsyssel, Jane Kraglund learned to listen and think before she spoke, to ration words of praise and to keep things on an even keel and not overreact." 

What do you think of this description of you?

"Not entirely wrong. But I would also like to say that I think it’s important to show appreciation when there is a reason for it. I believe in building on what works. And to make sure it’s made visible.”

They also write that as a child you learned to keep things on an even keel and not overreact. But despite that, can you still put your foot down if that’s necessary to get the message across in a discussion between dedicated people? Hypothetically it could be a discussion in a senior management team that’s not exactly short of alpha males.

"Yes, of course you have to do that every once in a while. It’s been part my job up until now and it will be part of this job. But I also really try to make it understood when and why I put my foot down so I don’t end up appearing unpredictable. When it comes to collaboration in a management team, in my experience, it’s possible to succeed in many things if you have a deep professionalism, are well-prepared and know what you are aiming for."

The university director will join the senior management team for AU together with the rector, the pro-rector and the deans.

Five quick questions to coming University Director Jane Kraglund

The last time my blood pressure went through the roof was because: I didn’t experience decency or honesty. Then I can get frustrated. Or angry.

In December I usually always: December?! Well, I celebrate Christmas with my family. But I'm not the type who thinks, now we’re entering the festive season. For me, December is a month where I take care of my life and my work just like all the other months.

My favourite app is: I’m not a big fan of apps. But I do have TripAdvisor and spend a good deal of time using it. And DR and TV2.

I keep myself in shape by: Going to the fitness centre. And playing golf and tennis on and off.

I can't imagine anything better than when I: Succeed with some of the things that I intend to do, and that’s true in both my private life and at work. That feeling you get when you reach a goal together with others.

Jane Kraglund- highlights

Not only does Jane Kraglund have documented experience as an administrative manager, she has also focussed on research for a number of years. She is a member of the University of Southern Denmark’s (SDU) representative council and is active in Odense University Hospital’s (OUH) research council and the strategy committee between the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and Odense University Hospital. As health director in the Region of Southern Denmark, she chaired the regional research council. 

Translated by Peter Lambourne.