While many businesses are constantly juggling numerous balls, for most, their daily workload is busy, but not perilously so. Healthcare, however, is often cited as having one of the highest rates of burnout and stress of all industries. So, how does a healthcare company stay on a positive, successful track? The answer lies in the skills of their leadership.
Recently, I did some research to see what traits were most recommended for healthcare leaders. The common traits proposed by numerous authors include:
All of these traits can be applied to ANY leader in ANY type of business, so what makes healthcare leaders different? Why are these traits extra important for people in healthcare leadership roles whether they run a small practice or a large healthcare company – because of the complexity of services they provide.
While many of us experience difficult days, few of us are faced with true life-or-death situations. Healthcare professionals, however, face life or death situations most every day, and managing staff and patients through that kind of stress requires leadership with the highest levels of competency. For healthcare agencies, such as Kindred Healthcare, that focus in providing care to acutely ill patients, the stressors are magnified.
So, how does a leader in healthcare, or any business for that matter, start developing the traits and skills that can keep him/her poised while maintaining a reliable, solid ground for the people they lead and serve?
Regardless of the stressors you face, as a leader people look to you to set the example of how to act, interact, react, and perform. Think of yourself as the “Lead Caregiver” and take the necessary steps to ensure you are strong and healthy so you can lead your team effectively.
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Karen Nutter is an Executive and Lifestyle Skills coach based out of Jacksonville, Florida. For more information about her coaching, training, or workshop services, please contact us directly.