As far as I can remember, the first leadership lesson I learned from my father was how to guide, coach and support. He used these influential methods to motivate me to learn English spelling and converse in English. He also used rewards and recognition to keep me focused and get better.

 

I realized all these only when I became a leader, right from being a bedside nurse to being a Group Nursing Head for one of India’s largest Hospital chain. During this long journey of over 36 years, I worked with many different types of leaders. Some taught me leadership skills, and some taught me what not to do.

 

Along the way, many influential leaders shaped my leadership skills. I learned from them, and I dropped some that I found not to be helpful. One thing I knew once I became a team leader was that it was not my clinical skills that would get my team to deliver patient care safely, but it was all about my people skills.

 

From being a team leader, I went on to become head nurse, supervisor, nursing head, and then group nursing head. I worked with many healthcare leaders, including nursing heads, other administrators, COOs, MDs, CEOs, etc. I went onto becoming an educator, simulation trainer and now an entrepreneur. Met more leaders in various forums.

 

I saw leaders loved by their team members, leaders the team hated or did not respect. I travelled across India’s various states, and I can vouch for this – The one skill leaders cannot do without is the P factor – People Skill.

 

I could be the brightest mind in the department; I could be confident and great at communication, decision-making, and crisis management. But if relationship management with my team and other departments is not managed positively, I will not be able to drive the best results possible. The funny part is that most leaders who lack people skills are not aware of this and are under the impression that when their team members do not talk or ask questions, they are the best leaders. Sadly, the truth is far from that. The team members do not care where the results are going and can not be bothered taking on a leader who can not or will not listen.

 

That reminds me of the story about the great Nelson Mandela’s lesson from his father. Mr. Mandela recounts that his father, the chief of this tribe, always conducted the tribe meetings in a circle and was always the one to SPEAK LAST.

 

The only way to develop people skills is to practice them daily in every interaction.

 

Know your Team… Listen to your Team… Involve your team, and when the results are achieved, the team must say, “WE DID IT”