Clinical Leaders: Heroes Or Heretics?

Book excerpt: Clinical training and background are not synonymous with leadership. So where does a potential clinical leader turn to for advice? This small handy volume is specifically written for this purpose with information about the softer skills of leadership. It is not linked to any particular healthcare system or clinical discipline. Focus on leadership as a means to influence healthcare culture is attracting attention internationally currently. There is a lack of published material aimed at clinical leadership and the time is ripe to channel and develop formal pathways to support this unmet need. There is an appetite for understanding what leadership involves and the book is aimed at that. It provides useful information presented in a highly readable style.Readers will find the style a refreshing change from the usual academic material. Accounts of hands-on experience with non-pedantic pragmatic advice are reflected strongly in the book. It draws heavily on the concept that perceptions may not be shared. This may be the basis for fruitful communication and mutual understanding, if not necessarily agreement. Clinical leadership is an evolving discipline and seldom do currently practicing individuals have an accredited qualification. They rather build up 'on -the -job' experience. This compendium of real life experiences and educational facts attempts to bridge the gap and prepare healthcare professionals to hit the ground running in their leadership roles.The book's narrative pace will make it a good holiday or long journey read. The subject matter is neither dry, trivial nor trite.