Daring to lead differently – growing allied health leaders through vulnerability
Sue Fitzpatrick1, Sue-Ellen Hogg11Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Illawarra Shoalhaven Region, NSW, Australia
Abstract
Background
The culture of allied health is distinct, with a tendency toward person-centred, inclusive and ‘nice’ ways of working, not predisposed to difficult conversations or vulnerability. It is further complicated by the heterogeneity of the professions. Traditional leadership programs have not always aligned with the values and behaviours of allied health, failing to develop staff or organisational culture in transformative ways.
Aim
To find and trial a leadership program that aligned to and challenged allied health values and behaviour.
Method
Several programs were evaluated for their ability to align with allied health values, address gaps in behaviour and provide tangible strategies to lead better. Dare to Lead ™ was identified, with a focus on building courage through vulnerability and empathy. Targeted allied health leaders undertook certification and implemented the program across a 2-year period. Evaluation included measurement of skill development and impact on culture.
Results
An initial pilot program trained fifteen leaders, with a profession-specific implementation rolled out to a further 116 staff. A shared leadership lexicon was adopted and improved leadership was demonstrated across four skillsets. Changes to workplace culture and staff wellbeing were also identified.
Discussion
Understanding allied health culture and skill gaps was key to selecting and successfully implementing a leadership program across allied health. Individual and shared values were used to foster a culture of belonging and innovation. Embracing the core tenets of the program at all levels had important implications for wide-spread change across large numbers of staff from a variety of allied health disciplines.
Biography
Sue Fitzpatrick has a background in speech pathology, working in allied health leadership for most of her career and as executive director of allied health since 2015. She completed a Doctor of Health Science in 2016 focussing on clinical supervision in allied health. She has a research interest in leadership.
Sue-Ellen Hogg is a speech pathologist and researcher who is currently working as Head of Discipline for Speech Pathology across the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (NSW). She has 16 years’ experience leading and managing speech pathology and multidisciplinary teams and is passionate about improving access and equity to services.