Performance with purpose

Over the years I have been fortunate enough to have worked closely with many organisations within the health sector on leadership and team development projects.   I am continually heartened by the level of commitment and devotion these professionals have in ensuring our community’s health and well-being.  I am also acutely aware of the challenges they face in dealing with the ‘normal’ leadership challenges we all face on a daily basis.

This article highlights the challenges faced by leaders in the Health Sector.  Leading Melbourne Neurosurgeon, Associate Professor Kate Drummond, was the focus of The Australian’s “The Great 8: Performance with Purpose” article. In this interview she demonstrates her devotion to her area of expertise and also shares some key ideas on how she gains the trust, support and commitment from her team to deliver on the goals of the organisation.  Throughout the discussion, Kate demonstrates the importance of shared values among her associates – especially in a role like hers where people’s lives are on the line. Having that shared commitment and common belief limits the likelihood of conflict and disagreement within the team or the organisation as a whole.  Finally, I highly value Kate’s view that you need to be able to adapt your leadership practices to lead people with a range of different abilities and personalities. Everyone is unique and has a different part to play and as the leader you need to adapt your style to get the best out of each and every individual.