Management

Apply simple tools to Develop Leadership Credibility

Becoming a leader in the field begins when you decide to act like a leader.

By Connie StClair, COE, Augusta GA

Leaders should be able to influence a group of people to achieve a common goal. They are able to do so because of their ability to first determine and then define the goal. Leader’s actions have greater impact on the organization and as such they are tasked with creating the kind of impact that drives the organization to success. To have that kind of impact leaders must be able to strategically embrace change and to communicate effectively. They also must have credibility.

The job you want

If you are not in a position of leadership today, but desire to be in the future, now is the time for you to build skills and position yourself for promotion. Years ago, I attended a program at a local college geared towards aspiring managers. One of the takeaways I’ve applied over the years is to conduct yourself today as though you are already in the position of your dreams. Observe others who are successful in that same position. How do they dress and present themselves? How do they interact with team members? How do they respond in times of crisis? How do they respond to gossip and negative behavior? What is it they do that makes a difference? Identify and master those key traits.

Start practicing today. When you talk to your co-workers, take time to understand their communication style. Help those who need a few extra minutes by being patient. Show those who need more hands-on training by sitting with them and allowing them to walk through the steps with you. These are small things that make a big impact. These are also steps that build leadership credibility.

Educating yourself

Develop necessary skills by reading, taking classes or even listening to podcasts about the art of communication, change management and strategic thinking. Developing necessary leadership skills can also be accomplished by volunteering to work on projects where you know a strong leader will be involved. This provides you an opportunity to learn through observation. Find opportunities to show your management skills in your current position by being involved. Developing credibility can be accomplished each and every day by being honest with your words and actions.

The meaning of management

When you achieve your goal of becoming manager, it is safe to say people will look to you for guidance. Poor communication skills result in poor guidance and that leads to failure. Communicating effectively requires you cater to your audience. Take time to understand your audience and adjust your communication style to meet their specific needs. Remember, it’s not about you, it’s about your audience. If they don’t understand, they can’t buy in. This important, if not critical, skill is one you can begin perfecting today. When discussing change, it is important you share more than simply what is changing. “Buy in” is more likely when your team understands why they are being asked to change something. Explain how the change fits into the big picture for the practice and how it will affect the staff’s future? In a medical practice, most decisions ultimately come back to providing quality care for our patients. Sometimes we must do so with limited funds or resources, fewer staff members or new, unfamiliar tools. Quality care is our product and it must be provided in order for us to stay in business.

Strategic planning

You can also involve your team in strategic planning, creating more opportunities for them to buy in and to building your credibility. I see many managers struggle with this concept, but it can be quite simple. As a manager, determine the outcome you desire. Once established, it is time for the team to brainstorm about how to achieve that outcome. By allowing many ideas to develop, you increase the chance of finding the best idea. As an added benefit, you’ll have done so as a team. This gives the whole team ownership. Don’t forget to share the credit when team-strategizing sessions build success. You will quickly find that this helps to build your credibility.

Objectivity

As a manager, team members must see you focused on the success of the whole. Basically, you have to be objective, show no favoritism and stick to the plan. Being objective requires you to stop and question before reacting to any situation. In the face of conflict, it can be easy to be convinced by mere gossip. As manager, it is your duty to handle conflict more objectively. Listen, research and act.

You don’t have to be a manager to lead or impact the team. What you have to do is focus on the outcome. Think of the good for the whole team. Help others understand, so as to expand the team buy-in factor. As a manager, I am always impressed when a team member not only embraces change by putting forth the effort to learn what is needed, but takes it a step beyond by helping others succeed. Be that person. Find moments when you can shine by being a positive force and a mentor to others. In essence, be a leader. OP

Connie StClair is the Certified Ophthalmic Executive for Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Augusta, P.C. in Augusta, Ga. She has more than 20 years of ophthalmic management experience.