What it takes to lead in health
Our expert academics share their view on the attributes you need to lead.
Stop, collaborate and listen!
According to Professor Andrew Hayen, Director of Public Health Studies and President of the Australasian Epidemiological Association, the ability to listen and collaborate is key to being a great leader.
Taking the lead on a successful public health program requires an openness to sharing knowledge, talents and resources among colleagues – and listening and collaborating with community is part of that, too!
Persistence pays
Albert Einstein famously said “It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.”
And one of our Master of Health Services Management students Zohaib Memon couldn’t agree more.
“A great leader will have the perfect combination of resilience and persistence. While the right education sets you in the right direction, it’s experience that truly teaches you.”
Zohaib previously worked as a Registered Nurse and Nursing Unit Manager and is currently the Program Coordinator for Patient Centred Care at the Clinical Excellence Commission.
Teamwork makes the dream work
Ever wondered why group work is at the core of higher education curricula? Because it’s a skill that, if mastered, will propel you to succeed in the real world.
As Professor Fiona Brooks states, “Authentic leadership is about the ability to co-create with colleagues and, most importantly – with patients – to provide the best possible care.” Professor Brooks is currently Acting Dean and Professor of Public Health at UTS.
We are the change that we seek
He didn’t stay in office for eight years for nothing. Barack Obama believed in change, and so should you.
As Dr Lynn Sinclair, Deputy Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) in the Faculty of Health explains, “Leaders in health must be dynamic. They must be an independent thinker, be able to motivate and inspire and be ready to lead change.”
Think outside the box
The ability to think creatively is incredibly helpful when it comes to solving complex problems. Dr Christine Catling, Director of Midwifery Studies at UTS, says that a “blue sky” attitude is something every leader in health needs.
And creativity can be simple in concept. In leading the creation of woman-centred birth spaces, researchers from the Midwifery, Child and Family Health have been pivotal in facilitating normal birth and women’s satisfaction with their birth experience – “something that sets up a new family dynamic and contributes towards a successful family unit,” says Christine.
Commit to learning, for life
“Lifelong learning is number one,” says Cathy Wilson, Lecturer and Course Coordinator for the Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education and Management.
With diabetes the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia and the biggest challenge confronting our health system, a great leader needs both eyes set on the future. “Only knowledge will give you the ability to anticipate patients’ needs,” says Cathy.
Ready to take the leap?
UTS offers a range of postgraduate courses in nursing, midwifery, public health, diabetes education and management and health services management.
