What is leadership? Leadership is about working toward a vision and bringing together the skills needed to deliver it. An effective leader is someone who creates the vision for the future, motivates others to share that vision, and provides information and methods to effectively achieve the vision. Renee Giroux, Manager of Histology and Cytology at Grand River Hospital, gave a presentation on leadership at a recent CSMLS Dinner& Dialogue. Based on her presentation, we’ve gathered some of her thoughts on what to expect if you’re thinking about moving into a leadership role.
Giroux’s journey began in 2013 when she took the leap into leadership. She took a fearful step out of the union and never looked back as she became a supervisor where she managed five rural hospitals and supported four other rural hospital labs. In July 2016, she began a new position at Grand River Hospital managing the Histology and Cytology department. Her experience of being managed by various types of leaders was a learning experience. She was able to work with leaders who were exceptional and whom she wanted to model her behaviours around. There were others who were less inspirational but she saw as an opportunity to learn from them as well.
“I consider myself to be the type of leader who focuses on facilitating conversations,”says Giroux.“I manage by common sense and I believe that I have common sense when it comes to decision-making. If it feels right for the department, then why not? If operationally we can support it then why wouldn’t we do it and that’s kind of my style.”Stepping into a leadership role is often one of the most challenging career moves you will make. In her presentation, Giroux addresses three important things to consider if you’re thinking about taking that leap into leadership. Ask yourself these questions:
Am I capable of being a leader?
“Not everyone should be a leader,”says Giroux. Leadership isn’t for everyone, so when you are in the process of making the decision to step into a leadership role, make sure it’s right for you. Are you able to handle leading a team or department? Are you ready to take on the responsibility? “Sometimes there are expectations put on individuals that they should step up, however it might not be the right fit for them,”she adds.
What do I have to do to get there?
Often, doing well in your initial job can pave the path for a successful career in leadership. Sometimes people feel a sense of entitlement and believe that their years of work are what will land them the job. However, seniority does not imply that you are next in line for that promotion. The best way to ensure you get an opportunity to lead is to go above and beyond in your current position.
How will I know what I’m doing?
There is no manual on leadership. Leadership cannot be taught – it comes from within but can always be improved. “When I first accepted my supervisor position, I was coming from a department where we had training documents but when I first became a supervisor I thought, ’Now what?’” says Giroux. ”You really learn a lot the hard way; there is no training manual.”
Starting out in any new role can be a little scary and you’ll likely come across unfamiliar challenges. In order to succeed as a leader, you will need to mentally make the shift. Recognize that you are in a different role and the expectations of you and the results you deliver will differ from your last position. A few of those “not-so-fun” duties you’ll come across in leadership are:
Set Clear Expectations
You may be walking into a leadership position in a place where you may have already made longstanding and strong relationships. However, as a new manager, the expectations are different and you need to set boundaries. To ensure you are taken seriously as a leader, it is important to set clear expectations and hold staff accountable to those expectations. Your staff is watching, so set the standards and then follow them yourself as well.
Facilitate Fierce and Honest Conversations
As a leader you will be expected to successfully engage in open and ongoing communication with your team. You’ll need to be able to take individuals aside to discuss their performance and have those honest and difficult conversations.“These are kind of the ugly sides in leadership,” says Giroux. “Nobody likes to do it, but it has to be done.”
Schedule Follow-ups with your Staff
You are now in a role that gives you responsibility to assess the performance of those within your team and give valuable input into their work life. Try to set regular follow-up meetings with your staff and deliver a progress report. Find out what you can do as a leader to help support them in their work life.
Transitioning into a leadership role for the first time, doesn’t need to be hard. Just remember, you cannot make 100% of people happy 100%of the time. “I, myself, am a people pleaser,” says Giroux. But exceptional communication is key and is an important skill every leader must have. Recognize your own personal strengths but also, surround yourself with others that are strong where you are weak. ”I tend to glom onto someone in a leadership position that I feel I can learn from,” says Giroux. “It’s good to get that support, mentorship and feedback –whether it’s from those who report to you or your own manager.”Believe in yourself and your ability to handle each bump in the road. With each challenge, comes reward.