Leading with Your Face
Clowning around with the topic of leadership in healthcare.
Chances are, you have a face.
If you have a face, then you can remember this basic leadership analogy. And it goes in the order of steps that every leader should follow if they want to do their job effectively.
Take a look in the mirror. You'll need the following things to lead effectively:
👀 Eyes - Start by using your eyes. You use your metaphorical eyes to see the future you want to create. Formulate a vision of where you want to go. Also use your eyes to see how things are being done now. What is working and what isn't? Visit the people, places, and work locations you support so you can "get eyes on" things.
👂 Ears - Once you have a vision and you can see where you would like to go, use your ears to listen to others. They will help you develop the pathways to achieve your goals. The input of others will guide you and keep you out of trouble. Ask probing questions to ensure you can draw others out effectively.
👃 Nose - While you need to spend time listening to others, you need to weigh their thoughts against your hard-won experience. Generally, you should trust those closer to the problem -- but sometimes you receive input or see behaviors that just don't "smell right." This is your instinctive judgment at work.
👄 Mouth - Only once you've created a vision, listened to others, and carefully considered what you've seen and heard, it will be time to set a plan. Use your words to:
Support others
Clarify roles and expectations
Encourage, praise, and confirm
Redirect behavior when it starts veering away from the vision
And for a bonus, to use your final remaining senses...
👅 Taste - Just like if something is too salty or sour, you'll know quickly if the plan you created is unpalatable. Spit it out and reformulate.
🤝 Touch (skin) - Lastly, you must work with empathy. Your skin protects you from injury and is a powerful way humans express connection. We might not touch each other at work, but we can decide whether to metaphorically keep them at arms length, or let them into our hearts.
Conclusion
Your face is your guide to optimal leadership. Don't skip any of these steps and continually repeat them to stay on course:
Revisit work sites
Ask lots of questions continuously
When something doesn't smell right, ask more questions or take time to let things play out
Constantly praise, redirect, and talk about the vision