Shine on Committees
Once you’ve earned a spot on one or more committees—or task forces or other official teams—you’ll have real opportunities to demonstrate your leadership potential.
“I’ll watch to see if the person participates,” says Dr. Howell of new committee members. “If you’re interested in leadership, you need to be a productive, active participant.”
There are many ways to be an active participant, even as a brand new committee member. “They may demonstrate their leadership skills by sharing their ideas during the meeting, by volunteering to spearhead an initiative that needs oversight, by chairing an ad hoc committee, by helping to facilitate the committee’s goals, or by sharing their experience in a similar situation,” Dr. Simone says. “They may also demonstrate their leadership abilities by being well prepared and informed on the agenda topics for the meeting.”
When you join committee discussions—or even discussions at a general staff meeting or departmental meeting—do your best to share insights and ideas rather than complaining.
“You must be able to express your views in an eloquent way,” instructs Dr. Howell. “If you disagree with [the chair or another committee member], you have to present another view or solution. Prove that you’re a problem-solver. This is a very useful trait and will show you as a potential leader.”
When an opportunity comes up to increase your participation, take it. “If you’re asked to help on a project that may be administrative or nonclinical, it’s important to say yes and to apply yourself to that project,” Dr. Howell says. “Do that, and people will think of you when it’s time to replace the chair of that committee.”
Training Helps
Although you don’t need formal training to start your leadership career, taking some steps can certainly help your cause.
“If you’re looking to advertise yourself as a leader, I like the people who have invested in themselves,” Dr. Howell says. “Those who have attended SHM’s Leadership Academy or otherwise taken efforts to improve themselves will stand out. It shows that they can be properly motivated, even if they don’t yet have the appropriate leadership skills.”
If you want to pursue leadership education—to gain important skills and to prove your motivation—Dr. Simone suggests you:
- Attend SHM Leadership Academy I and II;
- Attend hospitalist program management seminars;
- Attend business courses or complete an MBA program;
- Mentor with leaders within the hospital community;
- Participate in medical staff business and gain experience by exposure and participation; and/or
- Participate in your hospital’s medical staff leadership track if one exists.
Regardless of whether you decide to invest time and money into formal leadership training at this stage of your career, you can begin to position yourself as a leader by talking the talk and walking the walk.
“Involvement (e.g., attendance), active participation, preparation, and prudent risk-taking, to name a few examples, may be a recipe for success for aspiring young leaders,” summarizes Dr. Simone. TH
Jane Jerrard is a medical writer based in Chicago.