This post--and specifically the quality of "encourages innovation"--reminded me of a motto my organization had at a position I held before I got involved in medical education:
Get To Yes
Our leaders held the philosophy that the answer to requests and ideas should ultimately be a "yes," and that the main challenge should be figuring out the details to make innovations happen in our workspace, even if the final product looked very different from the original vision. It gave everyone a sense of agency because we knew that our time and thoughts were valued, and it also allowed us to have rapid turnaround time on projects because we did not need to spend much time selling our ideas to leadership. I'm not surprised that within that department, several leaders have emerged over the years, and the organization often finds itself promoting from within; it all comes back to the idea that when people feel valued by their leadership, they're empowered to become leaders themselves. Encouraging innovation with a positive mindset is something that I value in an effective leader, and a disposition I strive to cultivate in myself.
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Helen Shere
Curriculum Specialist
Indiana University School of Medicine
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-22-2021 07:30
From: Penny Schnarrs
Subject: Question of the Week: What qualities do you value in an effective leader?
It seems that effective leaders share some common qualities. While the lists of "leadership traits" varies (management books and leadership courses offer variations on a similar theme), some of the more common qualities are:
- Invites and displays authenticity
- Is self-aware and curious
- Seeks out and delivers good feedback
- Seeks out and considers other perspectives
- Encourages innovation
- Is ethical, has integrity
- Effective communicator
- Strategic mindset
- is courageous and authentic
We heard from some great leaders at LSL earlier this month. (If you saw the conversation with Brene Brown, check out her Daring Leadership assessment.) Which qualities did the speakers demonstrate or talk about that resonated for you? What quality(ies) do you value in an effective leader? Which do you recognize in yourself?
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Penny Schnarrs
Virtual Communities Program Manager
Association of American Medical Colleges
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