Recruits from other industries. What can they teach you?. Interview by John McCormack

When Michael Jordan traded in his high-tops for cleats, people had their doubts. What skills could this high-flying king of the court bring to the baseball diamond? Ask the players for the Birmingham Barons, the minor league team that he joined last year. Jordan didn't bring sophisticated baseball skills to the organization, but he was able to teach his new peers--all lifelong baseball players--about physical conditioning, competitiveness, mental preparation, and the ups and downs of fame. When materials managers from other industries sign on to a hospital team, there may be doubts about whether their skills are transferable. But, like Jordan, they bring to the team unique experiences and perspectives that can enhance the game. Hospitals that hire managers from other disciplines often find that these people bring bold new ideas to the organization. Their special skills could even help improve the performance of longtime players in the health care arena. We recently spoke with four hospital managers who immigrated to health care from other industries. Read their stories and you, too, might see your job in a whole new way.