Leadership development is not a “nice to have”. It remains one of the most effective levers organisations have to support performance, engagement and care outcomes.
And yet, in challenging times, particularly when budgets are tight and pressure is high, it is often one of the first areas placed on hold.
The evidence consistently points us in the opposite direction. Research from the Center for Creative Leadership shows organisations that invest in leadership development are more likely to achieve their performance goals, with broader research linking strong leadership capability to improved staff engagement, retention and patient and consumer outcomes. In healthcare, where the work is complex and demanding, leadership capability matters more, not less.
In our work with partner organisations, we are privileged to support leaders to co design and deliver leadership development that is practical, evidence based and aligned to their priorities. Whether through onsite programs, virtual workshops or ongoing coaching, the focus is always on building capability that helps leaders connect to purpose and deliver results that matter for their teams and communities.
If you are designing or refreshing a leadership development day or program, here are a few tips we find make a meaningful difference:
- Align the content to your organisational priorities. Focus on the leadership skills required to deliver your outcomes, rather than trying to cover everything
- Think beyond a one-off event. Development is most effective when leaders have opportunities to reflect, practice and apply learning over time
- Include leaders at all levels. Shared language and tools across emerging, frontline and senior leaders strengthens alignment, partnership and impact
Healthcare leaders carry significant responsibility and pressure, and their commitment to developing themselves and others is not taken lightly. We are continually grateful for the opportunity to work alongside teams who are doing the hard work of leading through complexity while staying focused on their people and communities.