Key individuals must also possess maturity and charisma so that they may elicit respect and trust from others. People with leadership skills always keep the big picture in mind. They are able to integrate daily projects with the hospital's or clinic's long-term goals. While it may not be possible to teach all of these leadership skills, it is possible it is possible to teach hospital administrators and clinical managers how to develop these skills. The first hurdle is to recognize weaknesses and work on developing those traits.
Facilities can also establish reinforcement mechanisms to encourage leadership thinking.
Regardless of how healthcare reform develops, it is likely that the traditional leadership tools and techniques will not be effective in the new healthcare delivery system. Being prepared for this change with capable leaders in place will be the most important factor in determining which institutions and clinics fare the best. Reprinted from Healthcare Comments, 1995. ProHealth, based in the greater Houston, Texas area, is a healthcare consulting firm specializing in executive and clinical recruitment, outsourcing contract management and professional coaching. We publish numerous articles in electronic and printed form.