Medical Staff

Tip of the week: Take care of yourself

Hospitalist Leadership Connection, December 6, 2010


As the year winds down, it’s important to remember to take care of yourself, especially if you are a new hospitalist leader. Be aware of the potential of becoming a “toxic handler.” This refers to an individual who voluntarily shoulders the frustration, bitterness, and anger that are endemic to organization life. The leader attempts to soften the emotional pain of the work environment, condition, and expectations and thereby allow the group to perform high-quality work. However, chronic exposure to such challenges takes a physical, psychological, and, ultimately, professional toll. Consider pursuing stress training and seeking out other leaders in the organization who can provide a confidential support group or sounding board without fear of appearing weak or incapable of leading.

A visionary management team can cultivate future organizational leaders by encouraging and supporting advanced training and learning. This may include funding attendance at executive leadership conferences, reimbursing the costs of an advanced management degree program, or shadowing leadership personnel from a variety of disciplines within one’s organization to broaden perspectives and provide insight into the next position.

The above excerpt is adapted from The Hospitalist Program Management Guide, Second edition, published by HCPro, Inc.
 

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