CAREER SUCCESS
Abstract
Leadership is not a title; it’s a role we all play. Whether it’s in a clinical setting, within our families, or in community organizations, we all have the potential to lead in our own unique ways.
What makes a good leader? How do I become a good leader? As you progress in your career, these two questions will probably be the most elusive in your development – professionally and personally. One can take courses and read books but still not have all the answers.
Nafiu et al. wrote an essay on Leadership Excellence in Anesthesia & Analgesia (Anesthesia & Analgesia; October 2024). It is rare to find an essay that succinctly describes what makes a great leader. Although their focus is on how leadership excellence is a cornerstone for advancing academic anesthesiology, their essay should be a must-read for everyone. They succinctly answer, “What is leadership?” with “Leadership is the ability to influence thoughts, feelings, and emotions of people and garner followers. This concept of leadership underscores the bidirectional and voluntary nature of leadership and a focus on people.”
They then concisely and clearly describe six principles for successful leaders: vision and purpose, integrity and trust, people development, empowerment and delegation, empathy and emotional intelligence, and continuous learning. This essay and its principles resonated with me – not because I do all these things well, but because they helped me identify what I do well and consider what I need to improve.
Why it matters
One should read the essay and think about it. Consider the good leaders you know and use the article as a framework to understand what makes them good leaders. Do the same with bad leaders. This framework will guide your self-reflection on leadership. Think about what you do well and don’t do well. Choose one thing to work on improving.