Being the kind of leader that people want to follow voluntarily, not because of position or title, is always the goal. No one should take on the responsibility of management with the intent of becoming the “because I said so” type of boss. Having the knowledge, experience, and expertise might get you hired into the leadership role, but providing the necessary communication, collaboration, guidance, and support for staff to thrive is what keeps you there. Employees seldom leave a hospital or health system; they leave their managers. Here are some qualities that help deviate away from lecturing-style tactics to elevate performance and make good leaders great.
- Authenticity: strong leaders are accountable and genuine. They lead with integrity and make informed decisions that build trust, lead to better relationships with colleagues, improve productivity, and promote a positive working environment. Authentic leaders are self-aware, proactive, dedicated, and inspirational. They empower staff by setting good examples and encouraging positive change, not by “preaching!”
- Active Listening: when leaders listen to reply instead of to understand, it promotes a “lecturing” style of management which can decrease employee engagement and team effectiveness. Active listening conveys empathy and interest, allowing for better communication, clear expectations, and a team approach to operations.
- Personality Management: recognizing and respecting the unique personality traits, preferences, and behaviors of team members is critical in creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Effective leaders tailor their communication tactics to the characteristics of each individual, ensuring their messages are clear, concise, and constructive. What can be perceived as direct to some personalities, may be viewed as aggressive by others. The focus should be on educating and instructing, not dictating!
- Adaptability: leaders should be proponents of the rules, ensuring that staff and operations adhere to the mission, vision, and values of the organization. However, being a “rule model” does not require rigidity. Great leaders are flexible, having the ability to following orders but also stand up for their team and question policies when circumstances require it. Consistently adapting to always ensure compassion, confidence, and ingenuity are part of the approach to any challenge encourages staff compliance as well as passion for the job.
ALTIUS has recently launched an innovative and interactive solution for continued management development with our Leadership Journey. This multi-session, group education program elevates and empowers both practiced and emerging leadership to hone their unique style, master effective communication, establish achievable goals, navigate distractions, enhance engagement, and build strong teams. To learn more about this exciting new service or partner with us for any other performance improvement, workforce optimization, or development initiative, reach out directly here or visit our website today!