10 Lessons Learned as a Clinical Leader

Have you found yourself in a new clinical leadership role and looking to improve your leadership skills?

Here are 10 lessons learned as clinical leader:

1. Embrace transparency: As a leader, it's crucial to be transparent with your team members. Share information, goals, and challenges openly, and encourage your team to do the same. This creates an environment of trust and fosters open communication.

2. Listen actively: Practice active listening by giving your full attention to the person speaking. Show genuine interest in what they're saying, and avoid interrupting or formulating your response while they're speaking. This demonstrates respect and creates space for meaningful conversations.

3. Constructive feedback: Provide feedback to your team in a constructive and supportive manner. Be specific about what they did well, and offer suggestions for improvement. Effective feedback helps your team members grow and develop their skills.

4. Engage in courageous conversations: Have the courage to address difficult issues or conflicts. Engage in honest, respectful conversations where all parties can express their viewpoints. This allows for a deeper understanding and resolution of issues.

5. Focus on goals and outcomes: Clearly communicate the goals and outcomes you expect from your team members. Ensure that everyone is aligned with these goals and understands their roles in achieving them. Continuously track progress and provide guidance as needed.

6. Lead by example: Model the behavior you expect from your team members. Display integrity, accountability, and professionalism in your own actions. This sets the tone for how your team should conduct themselves.

7. Foster collaboration: Encourage collaboration and teamwork among your team members. Create opportunities for them to work together, share ideas, and solve problems collectively. Collaboration helps build trust and enhances overall productivity.

8. Create a safe environment: Foster a safe and inclusive environment where team members feel comfortable expressing their opinions, concerns, and ideas. Encourage diversity and value different perspectives. This promotes innovation and creativity within the team.

9. Recognize and celebrate achievements: Acknowledge and appreciate the efforts and achievements of your team members. Celebrate milestones and successes to boost morale and motivation. Recognizing their contributions fosters a positive work culture.

10. Continuously learn and grow: As a leader, commit to continuous learning and improvement. Seek feedback from your team members and incorporate it into your leadership approach. Adapt to new challenges, keep up with professional trends, and invest in your own development as a leader.

Good luck in your new leadership role!

Jessica M. Lenden-Holt, M.A., CCC-SLP 

Chief Clinical Officer