1. Role playing and reflection
Watching leaders in action shows physicians what works, and what doesn’t. My clients find role playing and reflection to be a proxy for watching leaders. During role playing, it’s easier to be in the moment with their emotions because they are in supportive, nonthreatening situations with a coach. (This returns us to the previously cited article wherein emotional support was the most valued activity provided by mentors.) Among other things, role playing helps my clients understand how others may respond to and feel about various actions.
Several months ago one of my clients mentioned his new boss seemed eager to be done with their regular appointments, rushing him through with “I know, I know” and looking at his watch. My client looked at me, paused in a moment of obvious self-reflection, and said, “Oh. Now I get it.” He was thinking about feedback I had given him during a previous session when I shared my observation that my client always seemed to be in a hurry.
He thought more about his reaction to his new boss. “How’s that working for you?” I asked. I could not have asked for a better set up. This interaction was role play for real.
2. Leveraging Data and Facts to Create Logical Context
As I wrote in my previous article, for those of us trained in the scientific method, coaching often starts with data. This could be an internal or external 360 assessment, a self-generated instrument such as the VIA Survey of Character Strengths (free online assessment), Strengths Finder, Hogan or others. Personality inventories, strengths and weakness analyses, values and motivations all may reveal information useful to physicians in moving to leadership roles.
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Patrick Williams
April 15, 2015 at 6:35 am
Dr. Cary has written here , a truth telling article about the unique challenges of physicians…..of whom we know so little and judge so often. Dr. Cary’s, background as a physician, and now as a caring leadership coach, allows perfect insight into seeing physicians in a leadership role and using the essentials of coaching. This article is a great example of the keys to differentiating Technical leadership versus Adaptive leadership. There are few professions that require skillful adaptive decision making and leadership than being a physician and Dr. Cary in this article offers great insight and guidance.
Elaine Holmes, M.D.
April 16, 2015 at 9:07 am
Very interesting, honest, and well written
Catherine Robinson-Walker
April 19, 2015 at 11:12 pm
Well said, Maggi. This is an important, honest article that touches on much of what isn’t working in the healthcare system today. Thank you, Dr. Cary!
PS. I have written about the imposter syndrome in healthcare, too. However, your weighing in as a physician adds important dimension. Thank you!