I am proud of the NHS and this sense of pride is very objective as it is based on experience of multiple healthcare systems across the world. My eagerness to pursue leadership stems from the realisation that despite immense hard work by a large majority of the NHS workforce, the progress and quality of care is still far from perfect. This is, to a large extent, related to lack of leadership at various levels. Talent needs to be spotted and nurtured at all levels and mechanisms put in place such that the system empowers individual action and links the individual to the organisation as a whole. The limiting factor is not the lack of leadership talent but perhaps, the inadequacy of leadership talent recognition, nurturing and development. In the absence of the optimum soil, water and light many a leader has withered away.
Clinical leadership is close to my heart. For a system to flourish it needs leaders at all levels and from all strands of the workforce.
Leadership to me is a frame of mind, a state of thinking and being.
If you think you are a leader, we can have a conversation!
Posted by Afri Endok
A wise man once said 'I am sometimes wrong, but never in doubt'. How does one develop a level of professional confidence to believe that s/he is a potential leader? I am generally quite reticent and feel that it is perhaps a reflection of my formative years and cultural impact. My career to date suggests that I have the competencies to progress but I am always mindful of keeping expressed confidence in check and perhaps this holds me back on occasion. You appear to have an objective but also philosophical sense of what leadership entails, please could you advise what I need to do?
Posted by Dr. Minesh Khashu
Thanks Afri.I do believe that leadership is about a 'state of mind' rather than a particular role.In terms of organisational leadership one could argue that being 'reticent' is not very conducive to providing you the developmental and career opportunities that would benefit an emerging leader.This would perhaps benefit from coaching and mentoring and getting a better understanding of 'who you are', 'how others perceive you' and learning and managing the enablers and barriers in your situation.
However, it is also important to appreciate that not all leaders are extroverts or need to be so.Like the fingers on a hand, different people will play different roles, 'lead' in different ways and at different times. Many of the greatest scientists we know of were largely reticent individuals but they were great leaders in their own right.There isn't one model of leadership or one size fits all.You need to understand and appreciate what your skills and competencies are and how best you can 'give' to the 'system'(and also 'receive' from the system).
I am more than happy to have a chat to take this further.
Best Wishes.
minesh