Reflective Leadership in Healthcare

Book excerpt: This practical and positive guide shows how good, effective reflection can help people to stay on track, as well as understand what is working well and what might be improved – essential skills for leaders at all levels of practice from newly qualified staff to senior managers. Supporting readers to link theory and action with reflection, the authors illustrate how practitioners can exercise their own kinds of leadership to strengthen, improve and thrive. Taking a realistic and achievable view of leadership, the book: reviews the different leadership approaches and styles that help to inform us about what makes a good leader; explores the role of emotional intelligence, appreciative intelligence and narrative intelligence in leadership, especially in complex, challenging and continually changing healthcare settings; and uses case studies and practice examples to ensure the book is relevant, current and helpful. Reflective leadership is fundamental to providing safe, effective healthcare to all patients, as well as enhancing resilience for individuals, teams and organisations. This guide is an essential read for healthcare students and practitioners, no matter at what stage or level they are at as a leader.