Leadership is an integral element in any job, regardless of the work title. However, it is important to recognize that leadership is not just one single skill; instead, success in leadership depends on a broad range of skills, among them are decision making, collaboration, and communication.
Assessment 2 Scenario Use the following scenario as a basis to complete Assessment 2.
Use the following scenario as a basis to complete Assessment 2.
Imagine that you work in a health care facility and your boss has just stopped by your office and says the following:
Hi, I just have a couple of minutes - please forgive me for stopping in without advanced notice. One of the results of a recent employee survey at Lakeland Clinic indicates we have some issues to address. The data show 75% of the employees have concerns about at least one of the following: diversity issues, workplace incivility, and poor worklife balance.
Senior leadership has asked me how I plan to respond, and my first inclination is to put you in charge of assembling a team to address one of the issues. You have demonstrated effective organizational and communication on other projects and I think you will be a great asset as we move forward.
I have to run right now, but I’ll send you an email with more information before I leave today. See you later!
Subsequent Email
Thanks for talking with me this morning. I just want you to know that this is really a great opportunity for you. I know you have been interested in taking steps to becoming a leader in this organization and now it’s time to realize your potential.
As you know we opened the Lakeland Medical Clinic to serve area residents who were unable or unwilling to use the services offered at the main hospital. The first two months of operation saw strong patient volume. Since then, the numbers have dropped off dramatically. This prompted leadership to start asking some questions, which lead to the internal survey that I mentioned yesterday.
I just met with leadership and they determined that the priority right now is the diversity issue because we have the opportunity to improve outcomes for both employees and the community.
This is part of an email I got from the clinic director last week:
“. . . after careful examination of all aspects of the organization and talking with some neighborhood leaders we have concluded that residents in the community do not feel comfortable coming to the clinic. It seems the staff are lacking the ability to develop a trusting relationship with the residents primarily because they do not understand the cultural values and norms. The neighborhood residents, which you know are predominantly Haitian, often feel their beliefs, values, and health practices are not understood.
When staff members were hired, we only considered their past work experiences, education and potential. We may have failed to fully consider their ability to work with diverse populations.“
Hopefully, the information gives you a better understanding of the issues to be addressed. Time to get started as things need to move quickly.
I want you to assemble a committee to clearly define the problem and ultimately provide guidance on solutions. Before introducing you to the clinic director and executive team, I want to review your approach specific to leadership style and collaboration.
I want two things from you in a written document. The first part is just for me, but the second part I intend to share with the clinic director.
First, identify and describe a leader you would choose to lead a project like this and explain why. It can be anyone that is qualified, even someone famous. Your choice will tell me a lot about your leadership approach and priorities. Next, select one of the characteristics that make them successful and compare it against your leadership skills.
The second item is related to leading and fostering teamwork and collaboration among a group of interdisciplinary professionals. We are looking for 4–6 members to serve on a committee who will be considering the diversity issue and ultimately making a recommendation on how to address it.
I want you to:
• Describe your role and approach to leading the group. How will you lead and communicate? Will you be an authoritative, collaborative, democratic, servant, or transformational type of leader? Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of your approach in the context of thisproject.
- Describe how you would facilitate collaboration to maximize team effectiveness.
You might consider:
o Communication technologies.
o Practices (accountability, decision making, delegating).
o Techniques for sharing information and ideas.
o Any others ideas you might have.
Leadership in Addressing Diversity Issues at Lakeland Clinic
Introduction
Leadership is a multifaceted concept that encompasses various skills and qualities essential for success in any organization. In the context of our healthcare facility, Lakeland Clinic, it is crucial to address the pressing issues identified in the recent employee survey, which indicates concerns about diversity, workplace incivility, and work-life balance. As we embark on this journey to improve our clinic's environment, I propose a structured approach to leadership and team collaboration that will effectively address the diversity issue highlighted by senior management.
Leadership Choice and Comparison
Leader Selection
For this project, I would choose Nelson Mandela as the ideal leader to guide our efforts in fostering diversity and understanding within our clinic. Mandela epitomized resilience, empathy, and transformational leadership during his fight against apartheid in South Africa. His commitment to social justice and ability to unite people from different backgrounds make him an exemplary figure to emulate as we work toward improving our clinic's relationship with the predominantly Haitian community.
Successful Characteristic: Empathy
One of Mandela's most notable characteristics was his profound empathy. He consistently demonstrated the ability to understand and relate to the struggles of others, which was pivotal in his efforts to heal a divided nation. My own leadership style reflects a similar emphasis on empathy; I prioritize understanding the perspectives and needs of my team members and those we serve. However, while I strive to connect with others emotionally, I recognize that my approach sometimes lacks the depth of experience that Mandela possessed, particularly in navigating complex cultural dynamics.
My Leadership Approach
Role and Style
In leading the committee tasked with addressing the diversity issue, my approach will be transformational. This style emphasizes inspiring and motivating team members to exceed their limits while fostering an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is valued. My role will involve facilitating discussions, encouraging innovative ideas, and creating a shared vision that aligns with our objective of enhancing community trust and understanding.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The strengths of my transformational leadership style include:
- Inspiration: By articulating a clear vision for diversity and inclusion, I can motivate team members to engage meaningfully.
- Inclusivity: Fostering an inclusive atmosphere will encourage open dialogue and diverse perspectives, which are essential for addressing complex issues.
However, potential weaknesses may arise, such as:
- Overextension: In striving to inspire others, I may inadvertently take on too much responsibility or overlook practical details.
- Resistance to Change: Some team members may be resistant to adopting new practices or perspectives, which could hinder progress.
Facilitating Collaboration
Communication Technologies
To maximize team effectiveness, I will leverage various communication technologies, including:
- Video Conferencing Tools (e.g., Zoom): This allows for real-time discussions with team members who may not be physically present.
- Collaboration Platforms (e.g., Slack or Microsoft Teams): These tools will facilitate ongoing communication and information sharing, enabling quick responses to queries or concerns.
Practices for Accountability
I will implement practices that promote accountability within the team:
- Regular Check-ins: Weekly progress meetings will ensure that all team members remain engaged and accountable for their contributions.
- Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Defining each member's role from the outset will help maintain focus and accountability.
Techniques for Sharing Information
To foster a collaborative environment, I will encourage techniques such as:
- Brainstorming Sessions: These sessions will allow all team members to contribute ideas without judgment, promoting creativity.
- Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing anonymous feedback channels will help surface concerns or suggestions without fear of reprisal.
Conclusion
Addressing the diversity issue at Lakeland Clinic requires thoughtful leadership and effective collaboration among professionals from diverse backgrounds. By embodying transformational leadership principles akin to those of Nelson Mandela, I aim to inspire our committee while leveraging communication technologies and collaborative practices. Together, we can work toward fostering a more inclusive environment that respects and understands the cultural values of our community, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.