The purpose of this exploratory qualitative study was to determine what successful managers do to create healthy work environments in a healthcare organization. Managers using exemplary behaviors were selected and interviewed based on employee satisfaction surveys, and focus groups were conducted with employees who worked for them. Effective managers were found to create healthy work environments through behaviors included in three categories: Setting the Climate, Keeping Performance on Track, and Tapping Employee Potential. A healthy work environment was defined, and a model was developed. This model can be the template for leadership training and made an expected part of managerial behavior and competency development. (Contains 1 figure.)