Question

Explain the Behavioral Phase of Leadership. Is this phase still relevant and applicable to today’s healthcare leadership

Answer 1

Strengths are not just about personal traits but also about pattern of behavior. Rather than looking into individual's personal traits diverse research program on leadership behavior have sought to uncover behavior that effective leaders engage in. Behaviors tend to be learned more readily than traits enabling leadership to be accessible to all. The idea is that the leadership is reflected in behavior and not just personal traits. There are two wide ranging categories of leader's behavior - consideration and initiating structure. Consideration tells about the level to which a leader care about the subordinates, respect their ideas and feelings and establishes mutual trust showing appreciation, listening carefully to problems and seeking inputs from subordinates regarding important input decisions. Initiation structure states the exetent to which the leader is task oriented and direct subordinates work activities towards goal achievement like directing task, encouraging people towork hard, planning, providing important schedules for work activities and rulling with an iron hand.  

Yes, this phase is still relevant and applicable to today’s healthcare leadership as various healthcare professionals are taught these behaviors to be an effective leader in the healthcare. This Behavioral Phase of Leadership is very popular in healthcare settings as they are found to be more effective in various operations and employee management. It enables to create such an atmosphere in the healthcare setting that gradually but firmly establishes confidence, trust and loyalty among the patients, their family members and the healthcare staff.