Excelling as a Healthcare Leader

Being a healthcare leader is similar to being a leader in other industries. However, successful leaders in the medical field possess the unique attributes necessary to excel as leaders in the healthcare industry. Here are nine leadership tips on being a leader in the healthcare industry, whether you’re a nurse manager, a doctor, or a healthcare administrator.

Be humble.
It might seem counterintuitive, but a successful healthcare leader thinks of others before themselves. The healthcare industry is one of service to others, and leaders who flourish understand how their team works and recognize each member’s contribution. These leaders willingly admit when they don’t know the answer or make mistakes. They listen to their colleagues and those under their supervision.

Share a vision.
To lead, a leader must have a vision for the future of the practice, facility, or hospital. Effective leaders share that vision with their staff and gather input on how to incorporate it into everyday duties.

Mentor others.
Popular leaders also understand the importance of mentoring the next generation of leaders. They are more than willing to share their knowledge and experience with those starting their careers and those climbing the management ladder. Leaders who mentor can help their mentees identify career paths they might not have considered, provide support and point them to resources to further their career goals.

Listen more, talk less.
Good healthcare leaders also listen to their staff more than they talk. They develop a listening ear tuned to hear what their colleagues and subordinates are saying—and what they’re not saying. In addition, these leaders know they must listen to other perspectives to enhance their understanding of what’s happening in their hospital or facility.

Ask questions.
Effective leaders ask lots of questions to clarify, gain more information, figure out what’s going on behind the scenes, and acquire a fuller understanding of the situation. They know questions are vital in listening more and talking less and frequently employ queries in conversation.

Practice mirroring.
Excellent leaders mirror what they hear from others too. They repeat what they’ve heard to ensure they understand the other person. They use this feedback to improve their communication and clear up misconceptions.

Value collaboration.
Teamwork is an essential ingredient of a good leader who understands how working together furthers the goal of the facility and the individuals employed there. Being able to pull everyone together to work on the same team is one of the hallmarks of an excellent leader.

Have integrity.
A great leader also knows he must both have integrity and demonstrate integrity. She must be a trustworthy advocate for colleagues and patients alike. Honesty fosters healthy relationships, and most employees will work harder for someone authentic and truthful.

Manage conflict.
No one likes conflict, but successful healthcare leaders must manage it well. An effective healthcare leader looks beyond the surface for solutions that create a positive outcome for all parties while addressing the core conflict issue. For example, a leader could use compromise, negotiation, clear communication, and mediation. His goal should be to restore harmony while helping the parties involved to move forward.

By following these suggestions, healthcare industry leaders can improve their leadership qualities and perform better in their hospitals, clinics, practices, and facilities.