2024 is the Year of the Dragon and is forecasted to bring about opportunities, changes, and challenges. In Chinese culture, the dragon holds a significant place as both an auspicious and extraordinary creature. It is unmatched in talent and excellence, symbolizing power, nobility, honor, and success. In many ways, the traits of the dragon parallel those of a strong leader.
Leadership development in healthcare is evolving. Hospitals and health systems have recognized the need for more structured, consistent education in order to create a well-rounded and stable management team. This year, organizations should consider “harnessing the power of the dragon” by engaging in training programs and content focused on building the following characteristics in current and future leaders:
- Resilience – the process of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility. This is a key trait for strong healthcare leaders because seamlessly adjusting to internal and external demands is a part of daily operations
- Balance: the ability to place something in a steady position so that it does not fail. Stability is essential in creating a successful work environment and healthcare leaders are tasked with maintaining satisfaction, safety, quality, and efficiency which requires consistent focus and effort
- Strength – the capacity to withstand great force or pressure. Good leaders seek the proper management tools, such as routine reporting, to fortify performance, align resources, and effectively handle the challenges that healthcare operations present
- Wisdom – the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of experience, knowledge, and good judgement. Effective leaders make data-driven decisions, collaborate with their teams on current problems/possible solutions, and have the foresight to adapt strategies to ensure forward progress
- Ambition – the desire to achieve success, typically requiring hard work and determination. While, ambition can often be viewed as a negative trait, it is actually a critical aspect to strong leadership. Administrators thrive when they operate under the realization that there is no “settling” in the dynamic landscape of healthcare management and that there is always motivation for continuous improvement
Individuals with Dragon personalities are described as charismatic, intelligent, confident, and naturally gifted. They tend to do everything to the best of their ability with high standards. While it may not always be possible to achieve all of these traits in a leader, organizations should aspire to instill dragon-like qualities in their management teams through their approach to routine leadership development.
Are you a Dragon? If you were born in the years 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, or 2024, you were born under the zodiac sign of the Dragon.
ALTIUS works closely with all layers of client management, regardless of their Chinese zodiac sign, providing the education, data, and tools necessary for them to enhance their skills. We offer group training sessions, one-on-one coaching, and our Virtual Training Academy for online microlearning to encourage leaders. To learn more about our services and partner with us, reach out directly at [email protected] or visit our website at www.altiushcg.com.