Physician Leadership. Karen J. Nichols

How well did I read body language of the others, even in virtual meetings? Chapter 3, Communication Techniques

       How did my perspectives and those of others in the encounter regarding the situation facilitate or hamper the resolution of the situation? Chapter 4, Perspectives

       How well did the decision‐making part of the meeting go? If that part of the meeting did work well, what did I do that enhanced the likelihood? Or the reverse? Chapters 5–6, Decision‐Making.

       Did I contribute positively or negatively to my team and others around me? Did I set an example for others? Chapter 7, Character and Ethics.

       What could I have done differently to make someone feel better after an interaction with me than they felt before? Chapter 8, Relationships.

       How well did I maintain composure under stress? Chapter 9, Negotiations.

       Did I bring my own unstated “rules” to the conversation? Chapter 10, Conflict Management.

       Was I able to effectively employ proven principles and techniques of persuasion to move the discussion? Chapter 11.

       When seeking to move a change, did I start by establishing a sense of urgency? Chapter 12.

These are also helpful questions to review when watching another leader, novice or experienced, and see what worked and didn't work. Most importantly, why?

      I wish I could say that I don't have to conduct this analysis myself. I wish I could say that I have mastered every point in every chapter and can achieve the optimal outcome every time. But that doesn't describe my approach – and I dare say it doesn't describe that of any other physician leader that I know, either.

      Realistically, I also wish I had the time to conduct a full reflection of my day as a leader, every day. I just don't have the time and you won't, either. However, every one of us can do a gut check, which only takes a couple of minutes. Either “day went well” or “sheesh!” Take a couple notes from the “went well” days and from the “sheesh” days and do the reflection exercise when you have a little time to dedicate to your leadership progress. Believe me, it will pay you dividends many times over.

      So, let's get started! Full speed ahead!

Resources

      There are many resources on all these personality analysis approaches. Here are some of the books and the websites.

      1 Briggs Myers, I., and Myers, P. (1980). Gifts Differing: Understanding Personality Type. Ann Arbor, MI: Davies‐Black Publishing (www.personalitypathways.com).

      2 Briggs Myers, I., revised by Kirby, L. Myers K., (1993). Introduction to Type, 5th ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc.

      3 Canfield, A. (2018). The Enneagram of Personality: Why Discovering Your Unique Personality Type Is Essential for Your Personal Growth. Stone Ridge, NY: Enneagram Institute (www.enneagraminstitute.com).

      4 Rath, T. (2007). Strengths Finder 2.0. New York: Gallup Press (www.gallup.com).

      5 Sugerman, J. (2011). The 8 Dimensions of Leadership: DiSC Strategies for Becoming a Better Leader. San Francisco, CA: Berrett‐Koehler Publishing (www.institutesuccess.com/Free/Assessment).

      The following sources are also useful leadership guides.

      1  Bennis, W. (2009). On Becoming a Leader (4th ed.) New York: Basic Books.

      2 Covey, S. R. (2004). The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change. New York: Free Press.

      3 Lao‐Tzu (2000). Tao Te Ching (Book of the Way) (trans. S. Mitchell). New York: Harper Perennial.

      4 Plato (399 bce). Apology (trans. B. Jowett). Originally published in 1892; public domain.

      5 Watkins, M. (2013) The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, Updated and Expanded, Boston: Harvard Business School Publishing.