7 Highly Effective Habits of Healthcare Leaders
Healthcare leaders must exhibit a range of qualities to ensure their success in the highly demanding and ever-evolving field of healthcare. They must be confident yet humble, decisive yet willing to listen, and able to clearly see a path forward. Being a healthcare leader is not for the faint of heart. It takes dedication, intelligence, and most importantly, the ability to effectively lead a team. But what separates the good healthcare leaders from the great ones? Here are 7 characteristics of highly effective healthcare leaders.
1. They're Confident...But Not Arrogant
Having confidence in your abilities is a must in any leadership position. After all, if you don't believe in yourself, how can you expect others to follow your lead? That said, there's a fine line between confidence and arrogance, and effective healthcare leaders know how to stay on the right side of it. A study regarding leadership found that “confidence is best when turned "down" to gather information from others, then "up" to act on information received.” Being confident at all costs can actually work against you; you need to be able to build trust and create opportunities for dialogue with your team.
2. They Delegate Wisely
An effective leader knows when to delegate tasks and when to take them on themselves. Trying to do everything yourself is a recipe for burnout, but being too quick to delegate can also be detrimental. The key is finding that sweet spot in the middle; knowing when to step in and when to let others take the lead. What skills do you have that make you an essential part of your team? Lean into these places. What skills do others have on your team? Delegate in ways that enables everyone, including yourself, to expand into their unique potential.
3. They're Good Communicators
Communication is essential for any leader, but it's especially important in healthcare. With lives on the line, there can be no room for misunderstanding or confusion. Effective healthcare leaders are clear and concise communicators who make sure that everyone on their team is on the same page. In what ways are you a strong communicator? Where do you need support? Understand that you and your team may have different communication styles to ensure that your message is clear and heard by everyone.
4. They Have a Vision
The most successful healthcare leaders have a clear vision for their team and organization. Without a destination, it's impossible to set a course or make progress. An effective healthcare leader sets ambitious yet achievable goals and then creates a plan for how to get there. They know where they want to take their team and they have the ability to articulate that vision in a way that inspires others to follow them. Good healthcare leaders are able to paint a picture of what success looks like and they motivate their team to work towards that shared goal.
5. They're Decisive
Decisiveness is another key trait of effective healthcare leaders. They do not hesitate when it comes time to make a decision; they weigh all options and then make a decision based on what they believe is best for their team. Good leaders do not second-guess themselves or allow indecision to paralyze their team; instead, they act quickly and confidently when it is time to make a decision.
6. They Promote Collaboration
No leader is an island; effective leaders know how to create an environment of collaboration where everyone feels valued and respected. This type of environment fosters innovation and creativity, both of which are essential in healthcare.
7. They're resilient
In any career, there will be obstacles and setbacks along the way. What separates successful leaders from the rest is their ability to pick themselves up after a fall and keep going despite the challenges they face. Healthcare leaders need to be especially resilient given the high-stakes nature of their industry; they can't afford to give up when things get tough.
These seven characteristics are essential for anyone in a leadership position in healthcare. Being an effective healthcare leader takes more than just intelligence and dedication; it takes a special blend of skills and traits that inspire others to follow you and take action. The best leaders are always studying, researching, and looking for ways to improve both themselves and their organizations. These skills are not static, but rather ever-evolving. Know yourself, your current strengths, and most importantly, which of these skills you can improve to become a more effective leader.