Question

Who are the inspiring leaders from healthcare and what makes them inspirational? Be sure to first offer a brief framework, based on relevant reference materials, that explore the concepts related to motivation, inspiration, and leadership.

Answer 1

Numerous studies have reaffirmed the same sad finding: millions of Americans are not engaged in their work. Gallup's latest State of the American Workplace survey report indicates just 30 percent of the American workforce is engaged in their work, meaning 70 percent of workers are not reaching their full potential.

In healthcare, low engagement among clinical staff could contribute to poor patient outcomes and hurt the bottom line. While numerous factors influence employees' degree of engagement, inspirational leaders can help build it up and reawaken the sense of calling that first drew them into the field of healthcare to begin with.

According to Mr. Nielsen, inspirational leaders inherently promote engagement in the following ways.

1. They engage people individually and collectively. "When you're looking at someone — whether they're your employee, patient or client — imagine they have a sign on their head that says 'engage me,'" says Mr. Nielsen. Leaders who successfully engage employees as individuals and in groups know how to tailor their communication based on the people, setting and situation. They don't speak in generics — they take the time to learn about those they lead and communicate in a way that will appeal to their personal drives and motivations.

2. They empower others. No matter one's position or status in the organization, inspirational leaders make sure each employee knows how he or she contributes to the greater organizational mission. They know that individuals feel empowered when they feel their work is meaningful.

3. They are authentic. In his book, Mr. Nielsen explains that inspirational leaders are distinguishable from their peers because they possess the following nine key traits: accountability, authenticity, desire to learn, approachability, responsiveness, flexibility, engaging, inspiring and empowering. Of these, Mr. Nielsen says authenticity is the most important.

Example of an inspiration leader