LEADERS IN MEDICINE
Leading with values is a goal that all leaders should strive for . To be successful , one should follow one ’ s values day after day , and year after year , in all circumstances . Each individual leader should strive to develop clear personal values as life brings increasing maturity . Values can be defined as one ’ s personal perspectives on individual standards of behavior . How do you differentiate between what is acceptable and what is unacceptable ? How do you determine what is ideal ? Having a clear image of one ’ s values allows a leader to be successful by developing a better understanding of other people ’ s motivations and how each of the values coincides .
To continue in this vein , the ability to believe in the value of the greater good allows a successful leader to share a certain motivation and garner others to align themselves with this motivation . It offers the opportunity to have a shared purpose , which can further camaraderie . It then becomes easier to enlist others in one ’ s shared values , and most importantly , sharing both values and purpose creates community .
Speaking with honesty is a leadership trait that will support the unique achievements of each individual . Sharing that one understands and can speak with candor can assist in developing a relationship that will move the goals forward . In addition to speaking with honesty , a leader must speak with integrity . A leader must show trustworthiness , ethical behavior and be consistent even when “ no one is watching .” A leader must keep commitments with follow through to communicate that they are trustworthy .
One of the most powerful tools a leader has is storytelling . Storytelling can be a vehicle to influence , teach and inspire . Storytelling builds connections between the storyteller and the audience . Stories can convey one ’ s values , honesty and integrity while constructing a common bond with the audience . Storytelling can be tailored to one ’ s audience to strengthen this connection . Does the audience appreciate a visual picture , an ability to listen to the story or does the audience need a more emotional connection ? One can make the story more engaging based on the audience ’ s need . Plus , stories are easy to remember .
I would like to share the evolution of my story . A young mother of one ( soon to be two ) decides to apply to medical school . Her parents were not college educated , and there were no medical influences in her life , but she had the strong support of her husband . This mother is accepted , finishes medical school and then completes her residency , becoming a community general pediatrician . She is fortunate to join a pediatric practice with role models who offered support . Advocacy becomes a passion that leads to many leadership opportunities . Striving to augment her leadership skills , she obtains a Physician MBA and continues to navigate advocacy and leadership opportunities at the community and national level .
Stories are “ sticky .” They can convey success but also can convey mistakes and what one has learned in the process . As we advocate for our patients , we show honesty , integrity and share the benefit of the goal of the greater good . And most importantly , we all can share stories to be used as an effective resource to exert influence and inspire our patients to obtain better health outcomes . We are all capable of deepening our leadership skill set . And utilizing what we do on a daily basis , will augment our leadership skills . Physicians are inherent natural leaders !
Dr . Purcell is the Program Director for the Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Grant / KY K . I . N . D ./ Kentucky Chapter AAP and Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics Gratis at the University of Louisville . She also serves as your GLMS President-Elect .
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