Leadership, and leadership styles

The past several weeks have been spent focusing on leadership, and leadership styles. This is something that will be an ever evolving journey for all of us through out our careers in healthcare. Over time, events and interactions with others will shift how we lead and thus change our "leadership journey".This week, choose someone to conduct a "leadership journey interview" with. Understanding someone's leadership journey is different than simply understanding their career history, though of course that will be a part of it. In understanding a leadership journey, you will want to ask about:- What the person's view of leadership is now? What was it when they started?-What were pivotal moments in their journey that changed how they chose to lead?-Who do they refer as great leaders? Why?-What do they feel is important when working with others?-What would they like to share about leadership that they feel has been of great value?- Be sure in your conclusions to give thoughts on how this impacted your own views on leadership.

Full Answer Section

      Pivotal Moments:

Dr. Jones recounted a defining moment early in her career. As a resident, she witnessed a senior physician belittle a junior colleague in front of patients. This instilled in her the importance of fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

Another pivotal moment was her transition to a leadership role. Initially, she found it challenging to delegate tasks, but a mentor emphasized the importance of trusting and developing the team's capabilities. This fostered a sense of ownership and accountability among her team members.

Leadership Inspiration:

Dr. Jones admires leaders like Dr. Atul Gawande, who champions patient-centered care and emphasizes clear communication. She also holds Nelson Mandela in high regard for his leadership in challenging injustice and promoting reconciliation.

Working with Others:

Dr. Jones stressed the importance of active listening, respecting diverse perspectives, and fostering open communication with her team. She believes in providing clear direction, empowering decision-making, and offering constructive feedback.

Valuable Lessons Learned:

Dr. Jones shared that leading by example and being authentic are crucial. Authenticity allows for building trust with colleagues and cultivating a positive team environment.

Impact on My Views on Leadership:

Dr. Jones' journey resonated deeply. Her initial experience highlights the importance of fostering a respectful and supportive environment. Her growth as a leader underscores the value of empowerment and delegation. Her emphasis on open communication and valuing diverse perspectives aligns with my own leadership aspirations.

Dr. Jones' interview challenged me to reflect on my own leadership philosophy. It's clear that leadership is a continuous learning process, shaped by experiences and interactions. By learning from leaders like Dr. Jones, I can refine my own approach to become a more effective and inspiring leader in healthcare.

 

Sample Answer

     

This week, I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Sarah Jones, our esteemed Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Jones has a distinguished career spanning over 25 years, starting as a resident physician and culminating in her current leadership role. Our conversation explored her fascinating "leadership journey."

Evolving Views on Leadership:

Dr. Jones initially viewed leadership as a position of authority, ensuring adherence to protocols and achieving departmental goals. However, with experience, she came to see leadership as an act of service, empowering and inspiring others to achieve excellence in patient care.