Strong leaders - and cultures - start with self-awareness
During a session on great leadership at the Becker’s Hospital Review Annual Meeting in Chicago last Friday, four prominent healthcare executives talked about the characteristics of contemporary leaders and how they contribute to a multidisciplinary, team-based culture that is essential for success.
Especially notable were insights from Pamela Stoyanoff, executive vice president and COO of Dallas-based Methodist Health System. When asked about her biggest mistakes as a healthcare leader, she humbly admitted that she found out from others that she interrupted them while talking, and her listening skills needed honing.
The powerful takeaway -- As healthcare leaders, all of us need to be as self-aware as Ms. Stoyanoff about the ways our interpersonal communication skills and practices affect the culture in our organizations.
Illuminating this important point, President Woodrow Wilson once said: “The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people.”
