The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Healthcare Leaders

When hiring the right interim director for a hospital unit, emotional intelligence is a key attribute that the candidate must possess. If a hospital is in the process of an interim director or manager search, filling interim healthcare leadership positions are a chance to find people that can create order and motivate employees to provide the best in patient care.

Emotional intelligence allows the leader to listen and therefore communicate effectively, motivate a team, rectify errors, and increase productivity. In the healthcare field, emotional intelligence is paramount.

Studies say that “effective communication is 7% the words we say and 93% tone and body language… Failing to communicate effectively in a workplace leads to frustration, bitterness, and confusion among employees.” On the other hand, excellent medical communication increases trust among colleagues.

Medical staffing looks for candidates that understand their personal strengths and weaknesses. A leader’s awareness of themselves allows them to manage others not only in daily tasks but in what motivates them. This varies for each person and for the team as a whole.

Emotionally intelligent leaders can accept and then admit their errors. In a hospital setting, this is crucial to create cohesiveness among medical personnel and build trust. Unit staff members will feel more comfortable working for and communicating with a leader who has made their own mistakes on the job and acknowledges it. It can lead to better communication for everyone during a time when interim healthcare leadership has undergone a major change.

Healthcare staffing agencies emphasize the importance of emotional intelligence in leaders. An emotionally intelligent leader can create an efficient healthcare setting, which can lead to higher levels of productivity.

Additionally, multiple resources have proven that “the leader has a direct influence on the culture of a work environment. Studies have found the impact of leader influences the behavior of employees.” If interim leaders have a positive demeanor in their interactions, healthcare leadership style, and work, increased productivity and higher staff retention will result even during times of significant change. Allow NHS Solutions, a trusted advisor for temporary healthcare leadership staffing, to fill the interim position of your facility with a qualified, emotionally intelligent leader that will best serve your organization and your staff.

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