Published: January 29, 2016

Board of Governors: Centered leadership

We all went into medicine to make a difference in the world. We hope that you will join us at the AAO-HNS/F 2016 Leadership Forum & BOG Spring Meeting to do just that. This year’s meeting will be full of exciting topics, which are focused on diversity, advocacy, and leadership.


Stacey L. Ishman, MD, MPH, chair-elect, Board of Governors


Ishman StaceyWe all went into medicine to make a difference in the world. We hope that you will join us at the AAO-HNS/F 2016 Leadership Forum & BOG Spring Meeting to do just that. This year’s meeting will be full of exciting topics, which are focused on diversity, advocacy, and leadership.

This year’s meeting is based on the following premise. Whether you are focused on one patient at a time or changes that can affect entire populations, each of us has trained to be a leader. There are many leadership models, but one that resonates with me is the concept of centered leadership, which is published by McKinsey & Company. They describe five dimensions:

  • Meaning
  • Managing energy
  • Positive framing
  • Connecting
  • Engaging

Meaning
True leadership requires you to explore and understand your strengths instead of focusing on your weaknesses. Once you understand your areas of greatest strength, you will find that using and maximizing them will allow you to work more effectively toward your goals.

Managing energy
In addition, understanding what gives you energy is important so you can make sure these experiences are integrated into your day. This may mean you give yourself some time to regenerate quietly after a busy clinic, or you meet up with colleagues to have a rousing conversation after work. Either way, it is important to find the situations that get you excited and energize you.

Positive framing
At the same time, it is important to regroup when things are not going your way. All of us experience frustration, but the ability to look at these obstacles as opportunities to grow can help you expand your horizons and push forward in the face of adversity.

Connecting
It is also important to find opportunities to meet people who can help you attain your goals and expand your skillset. Build meaningful relationships that help you feel better about yourself. It may be as simple as an email, phone call, or Bulletin article, but make sure your words and actions match your goals.

Engaging
While connecting with others is important, and collaboration is critical, it is just as important to find your own voice and develop a sense of self-reliance. This will improve your confidence and enable you to be receptive to learning opportunities.

AAO-HNS/F 2016 Leadership Forum & BOG Spring Meeting, March 18-21
We will be discussing issues such as these, along with advocacy and society engagement, at the AAO-HNS/F 2016 Leadership Forum & BOG Spring Meeting, in Alexandria, VA, March 18-21. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with your colleagues while honing your leadership skills. At the same time, there are ample opportunities to network with the leadership of our Academy and ask questions directly to the 2016 candidates for AAO-HNS/F president at the BOG-sponsored Candidates Forum. The meeting will also feature the BOG General Assembly, advocacy training, renowned luncheon speakers, leadership development opportunities, a mENTorConnect Reception, the noteworthy ENT PAC Reception (for Leadership Club donors), CME credits, and more.

I hope to see you there.

 


More from February 2016 - Vol. 35, No. 01