144: How To Become a Respected Voice in Healthcare with Physician Leadership Coach Lisa Herbert, MD

The Healthcare QualityCast

Introducing today's guest, Dr. Lisa Herbert, a Family Physician, and an Executive leadership coach for transitioning healthcare professionals who want to move from clinical medicine into healthcare leadership. Dr. Lisa also has a background in academic medicine, and experience supporting organizations to internally develop leadership programs. In this episode, I talk with Dr. Lisa as she expounds on healthcare leadership strategies, particularly communication and teamwork, as well as pivotal points of focus leaders need to be aware of, in the industry today. Top Takeaways [01:51] Empathy is taking the time and effort to understand a person's struggle and this helps inspire people to move forward; sympathy does not involve any effort but simply acknowledging a person's difficulty. [08:06] 3 critical concepts for emerging healthcare leaders: focus on workplace diversity and equity, strategies for retaining employees, and Change management. [11:30] Healthcare leaders need to reach out to other professionals who have experience in change management. [14:17] The more persistent leaders are about keeping change management in the forefront, the more likely it is to see a change in the mass movement of workers out of healthcare. [17:35] Without training, Dr. Lisa implemented change management processes to turn a basic family planning agency into a full women's wellness center. [23:00] How physician leaders can be more team-oriented: Listen intently, be curious and ask questions, remember to always assume positive intent. [24:43] The Sandwich Method of Communication: This is a method used to deliver negative feedback; it involves giving the negative comment in between two positive comments. [31:10] The biggest challenge healthcare leaders are facing is the rapid ongoing change in the healthcare industry. [33:38] Getting feedback from clients is a great source of inspiration for Dr. Lisa in her work. This inspiration is transferred to her workers by listening and acknowledging them. [34:52] Best Career advice: Always be willing to step outside your comfort zone. [35:20] Daily reflections; "What fear did I confront today?" Admitting that you're facing something scary, helps encourage you to think differently and grow. [36:02] Key Attributes of an effective healthcare leader: Cultivate the ability to be aware of yourself as this helps to advance and grow. The ability to build and foster relationships and work with other people is also critical in leadership. Lastly, leaders need to be adaptable. [37:58] When selecting a professional society to work with, it's important to pick one that aligns with your values and allows you to support issues important to you. As for conferences, attending a conference in a completely different niche gives the opportunity to explore new possibilities. [43:31] Advice to healthcare organizations: Healthcare organizations need to understand the importance of leadership development. Key Quotes: "Leadership is about empathy, it is about having the ability to relate and connect with people for the purpose of inspiring their lives" - Oprah Winfrey "You don't want to always go into a meeting with something to say, sometimes it's okay just to sit back and listen" "Change is a bus, you can either drive the bus or you can get hit by the bus" "As long as you put your best foot forward and as long as you always do your best, no one could ask more of you than that" Connect: Find | Dr. Lisa Herbert • Website | www.drlisaherbert.com • LinkedIn | Dr. Lisa Herbert • Instagram | @drlisaherbert --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/healthcarequalitycast/message