Why Strong Leadership Is Critical In Healthcare

The healthcare industry is constantly changing and evolving. As we’ve seen over the last 2+ years in particular, the ability to adapt quickly to this ever-changing landscape is vital to serving patients and communities. To be successful, healthcare leaders need to assess the present state of their organizations, the current needs of the community they serve and gauge what changes will create sustainable transformation moving forward.

And these changes need to go beyond patient care and outcomes. A recent report stated that the healthcare workforce lost 333,942 providers in 2021. Strong leadership is essential for creating a positive work environment that supports employees and leadership at all levels.

Here are five reasons why I find strong leadership to be critical in healthcare today as well as tips on how to become a strong leader yourself.

The healthcare industry is constantly changing and growing.

With new technologies and treatments being developed all the time, healthcare leaders need to be able to adapt quickly to change. They need to be able to anticipate future trends so that they can prepare their organizations for what's to come. This means staying current on industry changes, analyzing data and seeking out feedback from staff and patients. By proactively preparing for potential advancements or challenges, healthcare organizations can ensure they are providing the best possible care for their community, effectively managing resources and navigating any unexpected obstacles.

A leader needs to manage a wide variety of stakeholders. 

From patients and their families, to doctors and nurses, to insurance companies and government agencies, there are a lot of people involved in the healthcare industry. Leaders need to be able to negotiate and navigate these relationships effectively. Make sure you’re actively listening to and seeking feedback from colleagues, being open to different perspectives, practicing empathy and emotional intelligence and outlining clear expectations and goals for team members.

Strong leadership is essential for creating a positive work environment.

In any industry, but especially in healthcare, it's important for employees to feel like they are part of a team and that their work is valued. As a leader, you set the tone for success. Create a collaborative environment by promoting open communication, delegating tasks based on individual strengths and abilities and recognizing the contributions of each team member. Put programs and initiatives in place to inspire and motivate your team, make it a point to quickly and constructively address conflicts and implement systems that help your team adapt to industry changes.

Leaders need to be able to make difficult decisions when necessary.

In healthcare, emergencies can happen at any moment. From natural disasters to medical crises, it is essential for healthcare organizations to have strong leadership in place to guide decision-making and ensure the safety of patients and staff. Establish a clear chain of command and protocols for emergency situations to allow for quick decision-making and effective response. Confident and experienced leaders can make all the difference in ensuring successful outcomes for patients and staff.

A strong leader can help improve patient care.

Strong leadership paves the way for improved patient care. From implementing evidence-based practices and creating and maintaining open communication channels with staff and patients to regularly seeking feedback, making necessary changes and promoting a positive workplace culture, leaders are at the heart of an organization's ability to thrive and positively impact patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Strong leadership is critical in the healthcare industry, as we find ourselves moving through this constantly changing landscape. Leaders set the tone for the entire organization, determining its values and priorities. By prioritizing patient-centered care and fostering a positive work culture, leaders can inspire and empower their team to provide exceptional care. Additionally, strong leadership in decision-making and problem-solving can lead to more efficient, effective processes and better outcomes for patients. At the same time, it is important for healthcare leaders to constantly strive for improvement and stay updated on industry developments. This includes implementing evidence-based practices and utilizing data analysis to inform decision-making. The success of your healthcare organization comes down to your leadership team — it’s time to ask yourself if you have the right people in place.

Previously published on Forbes.