PHYSICIAN LEADERS
Integrity and Accountability
Integrity is about consistency in actions , values , methods , measures and principles . It is the foundation upon which trust is built . An effective leader leads by example , demonstrating ethical behavior and making decisions that align with the organization ’ s values . Accountability goes hand in hand with integrity . Leaders must take responsibility for their actions and decisions and hold themselves and their team accountable for their performance . I believe that as a leader it is imperative to demonstrate to your team that you can relate to the everyday struggles of achieving success . I have found it helpful in my own roles that acknowledging , aloud , obstacles to success can help the team understand and innovate solutions together . A great leader invests others in the creation of solutions and always gives credit to the collective rather than care for the limelight .
Passionate and Motivational
An effective leader inspires and motivates their team . This involves more than just setting goals ; it requires the ability to ignite passion and commitment within the team . Inspirational leaders are often charismatic and have a positive outlook , which can be infectious . They recognize and celebrate successes , provide encouragement during tough times and create an environment where everyone feels motivated to achieve their best . This leads me to my most quoted and favorite phrase when looking at organizational success and leadership . Famous author and educator , Peter Drucker said , “ Culture eats strategy for breakfast .” To me , this means that a leader should fabricate an environment that feeds upon itself toward an aligned goal . If the culture is correct , then strategic ambition can more easily be achieved . The passion involved in the process of achieving a goal is transferable . It can allow a team to pivot toward a new goal , but the mindset stays the same . Capturing this attitude in a whole group setting is something leaders should strive to achieve . It is the nirvana of positive management and helps successful organizations last .
Communication Skills
Clear and effective communication is fundamental to leadership . A leader must be able to articulate their vision , expectations and feedback in a way that is understandable and motivating . Excellent communication also involves active listening , ensuring that team members feel heard and understood . In my experience , the best leaders are the best listeners and learners . A great leader that modeled many of the traits I have listed is John F . Kennedy . He said , “ Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other .” You cannot lead effectively by demand only . Listening is a vital tool to help a leader gain insight into the morale of the organization . It helps a leader keep the pulse and make changes for the better . Some of the best changes I have witnessed in organizations that I have been involved with were the direct result of feedback sessions that a leader organized with the team . Simple innovation suggestions that helped propel a massive change in efficiency and output . If a leader does not take the time to listen , others will feel disenfranchised , and complacency wins the day . In the same vein , a leader must commit to lifelong learning . This especially holds true in medical leadership . We have all witnessed the widespread and large-scale changes that health care has undergone . Proper leadership must stay up to date and prepare for new hurdles that will be thrown in the way . Being seen as a learner and a listener will help create a transparent environment where the ideas of others feel welcome . This is a crucial trait in most great leaders .
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence ( EI ) is another cornerstone of effective leadership . Leaders with high EI are aware of their own emotions and those of others . They can manage their emotions , demonstrate empathy and handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically . Empathy allows leaders to understand and relate to their team ’ s feelings and perspectives , fostering a supportive and inclusive environment . Being self-aware will help you navigate your own blind spots as a leader and make you much less likely to undervalue or overvalue information based on your own perception of the source .
In the book Emotional Intelligence 2.0 , the authors state , “ A leader ’ s primary function is to get work done through people .” Simple yet profound . No matter what leadership industry you find yourself , organizational success will largely be determined from your ability to self-manage yourself and your team .
These traits are not meant to be an exhaustive list , just observations that I have found helpful in my own leadership space . You may want to add many more traits to your own index of leadership skills . I can think of many others myself . Learning leadership is something that can happen if you bring a consistent desire to learn and a flexible mindset to incorporate new knowledge . Great leaders are never a polished , finished product from day one . I have learned from so many great people in my career . They have all shaped me differently and helped teach me that effective leadership is a trait you can develop and mature .
Dr . Clark is an oculoplastic surgeon with UofL Physicians and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences . He is also Clinical Vice Chair , Associate Program Director and Director of Medical Student Education for the UofL Ophthalmology Department . He is active on the GLMS Foundation Board and GLMS Foundation Scholarship Committee .
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