4 Reasons Why All Doctors Need Strong Leadership Skills
Doctors experience immeasurable amounts of stress on a daily basis, and it takes a special person to be able to prosper in the medical field. As a result, strong leadership and people skills are of utmost importance to their success. If you are considering working to become a doctor or are already in the field and looking to improve your skills, here are some reasons why strong leadership is a skill you should work on.
Doctors are Teachers
At some point in their careers, doctors become teachers, even if they are not fully aware of it. Some doctors actually teach classes or clinics to students. Some guide interns or younger doctors while performing surgeries or interacting with patients. Some simply are observed while performing their work, whether they are aware of it or not. Doctors who are viewed as leaders are respected by their peers and their subordinates, which is essential in the medical field. Leadership training programs are a great way for doctors to brush up on their skills or hone a skill that they have not yet mastered.
Doctors Make Tough Calls
Whether they like it or not, doctors often have the final say regarding the care of a patient. It is especially important to be confident and have the respect of those working with you when you make a tough call that everyone has to go along with. If you cannot stand confidently in front of your peers and students (and sadly, even the patient) and deliver upsetting news, you will likely not win their respect. The strongest leaders make confident choices — happy or sad — that others see no need to rebut.
Doctors Set an Example
Doctors need to set a good example for those around them. A doctor who is a good leader doesn’t let frustration get the best of them, and doesn’t lose focus on other patients even if they have experienced a bad outcome with one. As tough as it can be to not let emotions get in the way of work, this is an essential skill for a successful doctor to possess. Medical students and peers alike benefit greatly from working with a doctor who is professional at all times and who sets a good example. A great leader is “on” at all times (or as often as he can be) and makes every patient feel equally as important as the next.
Doctors Are Always Planning Ahead
No matter if they have their own practice or work with a larger team in a hospital setting, doctors should always be planning ahead. If new medical software is launching, a great leader will familiarize themself with it so that they can guide others. Doctors should also set goals for themselves and their team, and encourage and inspire everyone to work together to achieve them. If a goal seems a bit lofty, a good doctor will find creative ways to break it down into more achievable steps to avoid overwhelm. A doctor who is enthusiastic will naturally spread their enthusiasm to others, urging them to work harder to emulate their levels of excitement.
A good doctor also needs to be a good leader. Remember these reasons why good leadership skills are essential to your success if you are considering pursuing a career in the medical field.
