Transforming Health Care Leadership: Is genuine care the missing ingredient in health care leadership?
Physicians and health care professionals dedicate their lives to caring for patients, their families, and trainees. However, many leaders fail to extend the same level of care to the health care team. This oversight has fueled staggering rates of burnout, pushing talented physicians and nurses out of the field and worsening the strain on an already overwhelmed workforce. So, how do we fix this?
The solution lies in leading with the same level of care we provide to patients. When leaders prioritize the well-being of their teams, both providers and patients benefit. Many health care leaders claim that people are their priority, yet their actions often contradict this principle.
In his book A Prescription for Caring in Healthcare Leadership: Building a Culture of Compassion and Excellence, Dr. Joshua Hartzell outlines a clear road map for fostering a culture where leadership is rooted in care. His concept, “caring-inspired leadership,” emphasizes that every decision should focus on supporting and uplifting those being led. More than just a feel-good idea, this leadership approach is grounded in evidence-based strategies.
Here are three key takeaways from Dr. Hartzell’s book, along with actionable steps to cultivate a healthier, more compassionate medical culture.
1. Prioritize Your Own Well-Being
Transforming Health Care Leadership: Leaders cannot effectively support their teams if they are burned out and exhausted. Medicine often glorifies overwork, but this mindset is damaging. Leaders must model self-care and set boundaries, demonstrating that well-being is a professional necessity, not a luxury.
- Set boundaries and recharge. Avoid after-hours communication unless it’s an emergency. Studies show that taking true breaks, including unplugged vacations, reduces burnout.
- Make well-being a leadership expectation. Regularly check in with team members about their self-care strategies and encourage them to prioritize well-being.
- Create systems that support balance. Adjust meeting times to accommodate personal responsibilities, such as school drop-offs or exercise routines. Leaders must actively facilitate a culture where well-being is possible.
- Hold yourself and others accountable. If a team member consistently works late, intervene. Ask, “What’s keeping you here so late? How can we adjust workflows to protect your time?” This investment fosters long-term productivity and engagement.
2. Invest in Professional Development
Think of a leader who helped advance your career—chances are, the thought brings a smile. When leaders actively support growth, team members feel valued and motivated to excel.
- Create career development opportunities. Support team members in attending courses, earning certifications, or securing leadership roles that align with both personal aspirations and organizational needs.
- Mentor actively. Identify team members you can mentor and encourage others in leadership positions to do the same.
- Sponsor career growth. Advocate for your team by nominating them for key committees, awards, or leadership roles that align with their professional goals.
3. Cultivate a Culture of Gratitude
A simple thank you can make a profound impact. Dr. Hartzell shares the story of a colleague who went years without receiving appreciation from leadership—an all-too-common experience in medicine. Leaders must do better.
- Make gratitude a habit. Recognize team members regularly and be specific about what they’re doing well.
- Use recognition to reinforce values. Link praise to the organization’s mission, reinforcing what matters most.
The Urgent Need for Caring Leadership
Health care leaders must prioritize the well-being of their teams just as they prioritize patient care. By implementing caring-inspired leadership strategies, they can create a culture that supports both providers and patients.
For more insights on fostering a healthier medical culture, visit Stanford Physician Advocate.
Read More Articles:
- How Physician Advocacy Improves Health Care
- Preventing Burnout: Strategies for Health Care Leaders
- Building Resilient Health Care Teams
Take Action Today Join the movement to transform health care leadership. Learn more and get involved at Stanford Physician Advocate.