Developing Leadership Skills in Professional Psychiatric Practice

Medical leadership is essential in planning, delivering, and evaluating the outcomes of services no matter where in the world psychiatrists practise. Leadership skills are both innate and learnt. Clinicians need to develop these skills depending upon where they work. Clinical leadership and medical leadership differ because clinical leadership is about clinical decision making in teams, whereas medical leadership takes on a broader overview. Medical leadership consists of certain competencies which can focus on understanding group dynamics and working in teams. Cultures of organizations influence leadership skills and styles and in turn, are affected by leaders. Organizations also influence the way people think and function affecting a leader's ability to be effective. Good leaders must be authentic. They must have the skills and the capacity to stand by their principles, share their values and beliefs, and deliver on their promises. They must share their vision and create a common understanding to work through teams and people who are willing to follow them. While some conflict can be healthy, it must be carefully managed, and the differing views of leaders and followers must be resolved.