Introduction

Have you reached a significant milestone in your leadership journey? Are you leading a unit, program, or an entire portfolio of programs?  Do you feel a strong connection with your team and a deep passion for your work? If so, thank you for your dedication.  I mean this with sincerity.  Healthcare leadership can often be a thankless and exhausting role. Are you mindful of much fuel you have in your leadership tank?

The Challenge of Sustaining Healthcare Leadership

Some time ago, I participated in a cross-ministry table to improve mental health in school settings.  This was before the pandemic, and we had already observed a 50% increase in suicide presentations in emergency rooms for children and youth over the previous five years.  The urgency for action was undeniable.  After nine months of intense meetings and discussions we finally clarified our purpose and path forward.  It was time to engage others to design the change.

Around the table resistance emerged.  We can’t do that, what about the unions? (Insert banal rejections here).  My polite veil slipped, and I asked, “what the f*** have we been talking about then?”  There was laughter, then silence.  An experienced colleague chimed in with a piece of advice “Allison, don’t get upset, just remind yourself, it’s one more pensionable day of service”.  It was a low point indeed. 

Recharging your Leadership Energy

So, how do you replenish your leadership energy when the task is daunting or relentless?  Red wine? Doom scroll? Commiserate? Connection? Nature?  A great nap? Hobbies? Adventure? Inspiring colleagues? Stories with amazing patient outcomes? 

Notice what you have energy for outside of work.  Do these recovery habits make you feel like you are living to work, or working to live?  Enlivening pursuits are super important jet fuel.  Make time for them.  Pay attention to what gives heart and meaning to your work.  

Reflect and Reconnect

If you find yourself merely showing up for ‘one more pensionable day of service’, it’s crucial to reconnect with what enlivens you.  Going through the motions in healthcare has consequence.  It might be time to consider a change.

Some of my coaching clients engage to explore their exit strategy from their current role or organization.  Sometimes this is the course of action to which they commit.  Sometimes through our exploration they rediscover why their work matters.  They stay the course but with a different perspective, one that loses its cynical edge.

Conclusion

Healthcare leadership demands immense dedication and resilience.  Ensure you remain connected to your purpose and energized by what you do. Pay attention to your well-being and seek out what fills your tank.  Your leadership, after all, is a journey worth sustaining.

Stay Excellent!
Allison

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Need a safe space to explore your own career development and personal growth?  Transform your leadership?  Put fuel in your tank?  Schedule a free coaching consultation at www.EmergeCo.ca. 

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