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Leadership & Management

Leadership in healthcare: Qualities of a good leader

Leadership skills and styles that lead to becoming a successful healthcare leader in Australia. 



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All industries rely on leaders to pave the way for success.

In healthcare, leaders are highly sought after because they require a lot of tangible skills and must be able to manage business operations and people. Being a healthcare leader requires a high level of patience, willingness to adapt to change and ability to pivot when necessary. 

There is a demand for healthcare leaders in Australia and worldwide to respond to the current challenges in the industry. If you're wondering if a career in health leadership is suited to you, here are the leadership styles that align with the profession and the valued skills that employers expect their leadership team to encompass. 

Why is leadership important in healthcare?

As we’ve seen with the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s a lot of uncertainty and change involved in the health sector that can be challenging to navigate. Healthcare professionals with leadership skills are highly valued in settings like hospitals, health clinics, private practices and public services. 

Healthcare professionals who work in leadership roles bear a lot of responsibility. They influence team culture, quality of care for patients and the business performance of their workplace. The day-to-day functionality of a healthcare setting comes down to carefully implemented processes and actions of the leadership team. It’s not only patients and their team they have to think about. Leaders must also be able to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders. Making decisions, actioning change, dealing with staff shortages, managing finances, developing long-term goals and strategic planning, leading patient care and creating a fulfilling work environment for staff all fall under the job description of a healthcare leader. Without them, the healthcare industry would not be able to function properly.

Ten key leadership skills in healthcare

Integrity 

Healthcare professionals deal with moral and ethical situations alongside sensitive information. The highest standards of respect and care for patients are expected of healthcare staff and leaders must set the tone for the entire team to uphold high standards of integrity.

Vision 

Leaders in healthcare lead the charge for setting patient, business and team goals. Without vision, it’s difficult to set ambitious objectives and plan how the respective people are going to set out to achieve them. When leaders demonstrate vision to others and communicate to their team about how their role is connected to the vision, it gives everyone a sense of direction and inspires them to work towards it.

 Empathy

Healthcare leaders work with vulnerable patients who are going through the process of diagnosis and dealing with health conditions. This can be challenging as patients can often feel overwhelmed, anxious and uncertain. Having the ability to show compassion to patients is a vital aspect of being a healthcare leader as patients often rely on their medical team for support. It’s also important for team members to have a leader they can speak to when they are facing challenges at work or need advice. Leaders showing empathy towards others is important for forming strong, trusting relationships and allows organisations to provide a positive environment. 

Adaptability

The healthcare industry is continually changing. From the introduction of digital health technology to widespread pandemics like COVID-19, leaders need to be ready to face new situations and adapt accordingly. Being open to pivoting and embracing change when necessary can help prepare leaders for the uncertainty that can arise in the industry. 

Communication

Being able to communicate effectively is a key element when it comes to interacting with patients and colleagues. To work collaboratively with others health professionals, reduce medical errors and be able to speak with patients in high-stress settings, communication skills are vital. Healthcare leaders don’t only communicate face-to-face. Phone calls, emails and virtual meetings all require clear and concise communication too. How leaders provide feedback to their team, delegate tasks and convey important messages through verbal communication and body language plays a big part in how this communication is perceived. 

Decision-making is a big part of any leadership role, but especially in healthcare, where poor decisions can lead to serious consequences. Working in a fast-paced industry requires healthcare leaders to be able to think fast on their feet and make informed decisions in a timely manner. Decision makers are successful at looking at the options available, assessing the risks and making a decision based on the solutions available. 

Problem solving

Healthcare leaders will need to use problem-solving skills when managing situations with their team, with patients and the organisation they work for. It’s one of the skills that is necessary because healthcare leaders need to problem-solve on a daily basis. Leaders in clinical settings will be faced with solving problems relating to patient and health management whereas leaders  in administrative roles will need to solve problems around budgets and strategies. Being confident in identifying potential issues and strategising ways to overcome and solve them is key for all healthcare professions and is a highly valuable skill in the eyes of employers. 

Agility

Shifting focus is part and parcel of working in healthcare. We’ve mentioned technological advancements and health crises are two areas where adaptability is necessary. Being agile is important for day-to-day changes as moving quickly and efficiently can have a big impact on how successfully workplaces can shift their focus. Since healthcare is a fast-moving industry, leaders bear the responsibility of making transitions smooth and getting everyone on board with changes. If a leader lacks the ability to be agile, their team or workplace risks falling behind. 

Self-awareness

Monitoring the progress and success of a team or workplace can fall within the responsibilities of healthcare leaders. But it’s important for leaders to also measure their own success and reflect on their weaknesses to improve as an individual and leader. By being self-aware and open to feedback, leaders are able to improve their skills and encourage their others to do the same. 

Understanding of technology

Many healthcare settings rely on technology. To stand out as a leader, understanding how to use the technology available in the industry can set you out among other leaders. Those who welcome technological advancements will have access to innovative and efficient ways of working that benefit patients and their team. According to Deloitte, 70% of Australians are willing to use virtual healthcare services. Healthcare leaders who embrace digital transformation and simulation technology also encourage their staff and patients to be more open to the use of technology in healthcare. 

Leadership styles in healthcare

These are the leadership styles that are sought-after in healthcare workplaces because they contribute to a positive environment where professionals can work cohesively in a high-functioning team.

Transformational 

Transformational leaders strive to create a positive environment and encourage others to take initiative in the workplace. This type of leader understands how to identify necessary changes, spark inspiration for others to reach a shared vision, challenge colleagues to do their best work and think independently to develop ideas that benefit the wider team. It’s important to have transformational leaders in healthcare because they foster change in a collaborative way instead of directing staff with strict instructions. This can result in positive team morale, increased productivity and job satisfaction. 

Innovative 

Leaders who have the ability to be innovative and think outside of the box are highly valuable in healthcare settings. The COVID-19 pandemic and skills shortages in healthcare have brought on unprecedented circumstances where innovative leaders have been able to excel. This type of leader lays out multiple possibilities to make informed decisions and encourages their team to do the same. Instead of relying on lessons or experiences from the past, innovative leaders are forward thinkers who create goals with the aim of having multiple ways to achieve them. 

Democratic

Creating a positive and interactive team environment is important to a democratic leader. You can expect this leader to encourage their team to share feedback, contribute ideas and openly communicate. A democratic leader is successful in improving processes in the workplace and creating a collaborative team environment. Professional and personal growth of staff and team success is at the forefront of workplaces with a democratic leader.

Servant 

Servant leaders are beneficial to healthcare organisations, especially where diverse teams are involved, because they focus on motivating and supporting each individual team member. They do this by ensuring everyone has the skills, resources and confidence to succeed in their role. They also take the time to build relationships with their colleagues so they feel comfortable communicating with their leader.

Southern Cross University’s Master of Healthcare Leadership degree includes a unit on positive leadership models where you can explore a range of leadership styles and establish what style you align with based on your strengths and goals. 

What is an ineffective leader in healthcare?

Not everyone who leads is a good leader and this can come down to many factors. Some of these include: 

  • being unable to acknowledge mistakes
  • not having a clear vision or goals
  • being unable to keep themselves and their team accountable
  • inability to communicate effectively
  • shows favouritism to specific team members
  • poor time-management skills
  • being unorganised
  • failure to motivate and support team

Leadership isn't something that comes naturally to everyone. Luckily, it’s something that can be learned through study and hands-on experience. If you want to be a leader in the healthcare industry but feel you need to develop your skills, these postgraduate health leadership courses can give you the qualifications required to succeed. 

The future of healthcare leadership

There has been a big shift in the roles and responsibilities of healthcare leaders in recent years. Forward-thinking, tangible skills and a positive leadership style are imperative for future healthcare leaders. Artificial intelligence and related technology have changed the way we work. Leaders need to adapt to changes in the space so they can encourage their team to embrace new technology and use it to maximise productivity and efficiency. Elective procedures, general check-ups, specialist appointments and a shortage of healthcare workers has resulted in a backlog of people seeking medical attention. Healthcare leaders must be able to work collaboratively with their team, other departments and stakeholders to ensure patients are receiving the best care possible in a timely manner. Healthcare leaders of the future will need to have multi-faceted qualities to excel in their role. This is where a postgraduate degree in healthcare leadership can be beneficial to success.

Health leadership careers

career in healthcare leadership begins with formal education and hands-on learning experience. Whether you work in the industry already or want to explore a career change in health with a focus on leadership, postgraduate study is the stepping stone to gaining the necessary skills and knowledge to become a healthcare leader. Since leadership is a specialisation within health, courses in leadership are only offered at a postgraduate level. Check out available courses below. 

Postgraduate leadership courses in Australia

The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.

Graduate Certificate of Nursing Majoring in Leadership & Management
Graduate Certificate of Nursing Majoring in Leadership & Management
100% online and part-time Fast-track your career with flexible study you can balance around your life. Study one subject at a time and complete your degree in as little as eight months part-time. One of Australia's top 10 nursing schools You’ll study and connect with industry leaders, specialists and experienced nurse academics. JCU’s online Graduate Certificate of Nursing will help prepare you for the healthcare system of tomorrow. Australia's healthcare landscape is changing. Governments, industry and healthcare providers are working smarter to meet rising costs coupled with the increasing demand on our health system. You’ll develop advanced knowledge and specialist skills in your chosen nursing field. You’ll be able to take on nursing leadership roles in your area of practice, receive increased professional recognition and boost your potential to seize new opportunities in your nursing career. The Leadership and Management major gives you the confidence and knowledge to embrace management or leadership positions in healthcare, with two specialist units of study.
Graduate Certificate 8 months 4 Units
Units
  • Leading and Managing in Health
  • Ethics and Health Management
  • Effective Clinical Governance
  • Persuasive Communication
Graduate Diploma of Nursing Majoring in Leadership & Management
Graduate Diploma of Nursing Majoring in Leadership & Management
100% online and part-time Fast-track your career with flexible study you can balance around your life. Study one subject at a time and complete your degree in as little as eight months part-time. One of Australia's top 10 nursing schools You’ll study and connect with industry leaders, specialists and experienced nurse academics. Australia’s health system is changing to meet more demand than ever before. James Cook University’s Online Graduate Diploma of Nursing will equip you with the critical thinking skills and theoretical knowledge to apply advanced nursing concepts in the clinical setting. This online course will prepare you to lead nursing practice and optimise patient outcomes in a hospital setting. The Leadership and Management major gives you the confidence and knowledge to embrace management or leadership positions in healthcare, with eight specialist units of study.
Graduate Diploma 16 months 8 Units
Units
  • Leading and Managing in Health
  • Ethics and Health Management
  • Effective Clinical Governance
  • Persuasive Communication
  • Informatics for Health Professionals
  • Business and Finance for the Health Manager
  • Conflict and Dispute Resolution in Healthcare
  • Synthesising Evidence for Healthcare
Master of Healthcare Leadership
Master of Healthcare Leadership
The online Master of Healthcare Leadership is designed to give you a broad, interdisciplinary perspective on the changing face of healthcare. You might be a registered nurse with many years of experience and want to move out of direct care, or you might be from an allied health background, such as physiotherapy, osteopathy, counselling or optometry, wanting to start your own practice. Whatever your health background, completing a Master of Healthcare Leadership online gives you more flexibility, more opportunities, and more transferable skills you can take with you into the future.
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Leading Evidence-based Practice in Health
  • Critical Review in Health
  • Research Proposal for Health Innovation
  • Leading Change in Healthcare
  • Strategic Planning and Management in Healthcare
  • Envisioning Health Systems, Policies and Practices
  • Governance and Accountability in Healthcare
  • Social and Emotional Competence in the Workplace
  • Contemporary Health Leadership
  • Building a Professional Portfolio
  • Effective Teaching and Supervision in Healthcare
  • Plus Electives
Master of Nursing (Leadership)
Master of Nursing (Leadership)
Award-winning study model VU's award-winning postgraduate Block Model recognises the complexity of students' lives while giving a consistent, manageable and connected online learning experience. Earn your Master of Nursing (Leadership) faster than on-campus with our unique study model. No exams or textbooks to purchase The online units have been designed with a student-centred approach that spans from the overarching learning outcomes to engaging activities and self-determined assessments. Support 7 days and in the evenings Get the support you need, when you need it, during your course. VU's support network has a single focus on ensuring you are entirely supported to succeed. VU Online’s Master of Nursing, with a specialisation in Nursing Leadership, is designed for registered nurses to transform the delivery of healthcare services in Australia. Across eight core units of study – from Promoting Cultural Competence and Community Health to Nursing Informatics – and four specialised units in Nursing Leadership, students will acquire skills that are in demand for senior nurse leaders. The Nursing Leadership specialisation provides registered nurses with the knowledge to develop expertise in the provision of nursing leadership and a comprehensive understanding of management, including financial management. Graduates with a Master of Nursing (Leadership) will be prepared to shape the development and provision of healthcare services, specifically clinical leadership and successfully managing teams. Each course is delivered 100% online, giving students the flexibility to fit study around their busy personal and professional lives. VU Online takes a personalised 1:1 approach to online learning, which makes learning highly interactive and supported. With 25 years of experience delivering postgraduate courses in Australia, VU has equipped thousands of students from all walks of life with the knowledge and skills to successfully achieve their unique career goals including promotion, salary increase and leadership and innovation in nursing.
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Promoting Cultural Competence and Community Health
  • Care Coordination in Practice
  • Leading Improvement and Innovation
  • Evidence and Research for Practice
  • Complex Care Coordination
  • Nursing Informatics
  • Professional Development in Practice
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • Nursing Management
  • Nursing Leadership and Management
  • Financial Management for Nurses
  • Research Project: Nursing Leadership
Master of Nursing Majoring in Leadership & Management
Master of Nursing Majoring in Leadership & Management
With a rapidly ageing population, changes in technology, changes in management demands, and the evolution of nursing knowledge and practice, there are growing opportunities for qualified senior nurses and nurse leaders in Australia. JCU Online’s Master of Nursing gives you the qualifications and skills you need to evolve your career as fast as healthcare itself is changing. It will allow you to take on more complex roles and deliver better patient care. The Leadership and Management major gives you the confidence and knowledge to embrace management or leadership positions in healthcare, with four specialist units of study. Transform your practice and improve your clinical skillset Develop key skills to help you succeed in clinical contexts Understand the latest in healthcare informatics Designed by passionate nursing professionals Fast-track your career with 100% online study Be supported by a dedicated Student Success Advisor
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Informatics for Health Professionals
  • Effective Clinical Governance
  • Persuasive Communication
  • Synthesising Evidence for Healthcare
  • Quantitative Research in Healthcare
  • Qualitative Research in Healthcare
  • Implementing Practice Development in Healthcare Contexts
  • Professional Portfolios for Career Advancement
  • Leading and Managing in Health
  • Ethics and Health Management
  • Business and Finance for the Health Manager
  • Conflict and Dispute Resolution in Healthcare

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