Leadership Webinar Recap

Having quality leadership in your practice could be the difference between good organisational justice and high employee turnover. Being a leader can look different in every practice, but having the ability set the direction and influence people to follow you is the core to any good leader. 

In the workplace, it’s leaders who hold the power to create a better environment. Good leaders can build sustainable, inclusive and fulfilling workplaces that enable them to meet the overall requirements and objectives for the vision of their practice. Leaders with a clear vision on the results they want, can manage their teams effectively to help them achieve desired goals in a clear and congruent manner. Effective leaders follow these five keys to leadership:

1. Focus
2. Authenticity
3. Courage
4. Empathy
5. Timing

Following these keys allows leaders to have and develop relationships with their team, which will impact the overall productivity of the practice.

A 2022 Microsoft Work Index Trend report found 54 per cent of managers say leadership is out of touch with their employees. Where there is a lack of connection between leaders and their staff, it can be a contributing factor to low trust and staff morale. The long-term effects of this can be higher staff turnover rates and heightened workplace conflict between staff members. The results of this can not only impact the practice’s reputation, but it can also have a major effect on the mental health and stability of your team who stay with the practice through these times. 

One of the most important traits of a good leader is that they practice self-care. As the saying goes: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Good leaders know they can create an enjoyable atmosphere when they themselves are on form. Unfortunately, there is less chance of this happening when leaders are facing their own struggles with being overworked, stressed, experiencing anxiety and feelings of exhaustion. Employees are also less likely to listen to a leader who preaches the benefits of healthy boundaries, or the power of rest, but who may also see using annual leave as poor work ethics. By being authentically you, you will find that trust with your staff will build naturally and they will be more receptive to following direction. 

If you would like to learn more about the fundamentals of leadership, the Workplace Relations Team held a webinar earlier this month on this topic and facilitating a mentally healthy workplace. We provided members with important information on what it means to be a leader and how to create or be a role model for your staff. We touched on the importance of having well-structured and clear policies and procedures and methods to reduce conflict in the workplace. If you are interested in learning more about leadership or would like some guidance on having difficult conversations in the workplace, you can purchase the webinar here. Once you have completed the form, simply email it back to the Workplace Relations Team at workplacerelations@amaq.com.au and we will provide you with the recording.