The Art of Leadership

What makes a good leader?

Leadership

There are many qualities of a good leader. what they all come down to is the ability to get other people to WANT to do what the leader wants them to do.

How is this done? Explain why things need to be done. Tell those you are leading what value it provides.

Listen well. Teach. Describe the end goal. Make it compelling.

Remove barriers to reaching the goal. Give your staff the tools they need to be successful (they include psychological tools). Be lavish in your praise.

Give regular clear, specific feedback. Reward good results. Be a cheerleader.

Do not be a know-it-all. Surround yourself with very capable people, hopefully more skilled than you are. Provide good example.

Be honest. Take responsibility for errors that you make; it encourages honesty in others.

Criticize in private; praise in public.

Ask quiet people for their opinion. They may be too reserved to speak out but have great ideas.

Read books on leadership. Model yourself after great leaders.

Peter M. Hartmann, MD

Former physician executive and medical educator

A Reluctant Leader

Do you see yourself as a leader?

Being a Leader

Do I see myself as a leader? Actually, I consider myself to be a reluctant leader. Why? I am an introvert and a typical middle child so I never sought leadership positions.

However, leadership positions found me throughout my life. That began when I was a 12-year-old boy scout who was invited to be the senior patrol leader for my troop.

This became a pattern for the rest of my life. I did not seek leadership positions but was regularly asked to take them on.

The last one before retirement was being asked to assume the role of Vice President of Medical Affairs (head doctor) for a large teaching hospital.

The reason I wrote this brief essay is because I want to let introverts know that they can become a leader and do well. Do not assume that you have to be an extrovert, seek leadership positions, and be special to become a successful leader.

There is a desperate need for leaders and relatively few people willing to lead when needed. This is true for membership on the Board of a condo development, being on your church council, or running a department where you work.

You don’t have to be a born leader. There are many excellent books and videos on how to become a successful leader. Find a mentor who has been in leadership positions and done well; ask him or her to give you some guidance.

If you are willing to lead (even reluctantly), there will be many opportunities throughout your life. Go for it!

Peter M. Hartmann, MD