Dedication. That's just one of the words Rob Allen, president and CEO of Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health, used to advise aspiring healthcare leaders in a July 11 LinkedIn post.
Mr. Allen shared that it is essential for leaders to not be victims, and victims to not be leaders in order to do the best job possible.
"Leaders are in a position to inspire, empower and navigate challenges," he said. "This can’t happen if a leader is dwelling on past issues or blaming others. A victim mindset only creates immobility, for both the leader and for everyone who follows. It can be easy for any of us to fall into this mindset, even on the smallest details. It’s important to always stay mindful, double-check ourselves, and have a trusted colleague to keep us accountable."
Should a leader begin to feel like a victim, Mr. Allen provided three key solutions to tackle this issue:
1. Solve the problem. Leaders are not the one affected but are the ones who are affecting other people's lives. This responsibility must be held carefully and embraced to make a positive impact.
2. Motivation over limitation. Regardless of a situation, your team is more than likely excelling in one area better than anyone else. Find what motives that successful area and empower your team to use it to improve problem areas.
3. Look in the mirror should you or a team member feel lost. A team that is confused typically reflects a leader's lack of direction. It is a leader's job to reflect a focused pathway and guide your team through it.
"Leading healthcare can be difficult. We continually face critical decisions. But the challenges don’t need to negatively influence our mindset. As leaders, we can choose to rise above, take responsibility for our actions and the actions of others, and choose to lead," Mr. Allen said.