Leading a team in the demanding environment of primary care is no small feat. While the weight of responsibility can be substantial, the findings of a recent study by the wellbeing app HappierMe offer valuable insights into how managers can thrive, rather than merely survive.

The study surveyed 1,000 employees across various sectors to identify the most common pitfalls leaders encounter. Surprisingly, the top three factors contributing to leadership failure weren't related to pressure or technical skills, but rather focused on soft skills crucial for fostering a positive and productive team environment.

The Power of Relationships

At the top of the list, with 40% of respondents citing it as a major issue, was poor relationship management. This highlights the critical role strong relationships play in building trust, team working, and ultimately, achieving success. Leaders who lack effective relationship skills often struggle to connect with their colleagues and their team, leading to feelings of isolation, resentment, and disengagement.

The remedy lies in cultivating a people-centric approach, by showing empathy, respect, and appreciation to your team members. Involve them in decision-making, delegate tasks appropriately, and celebrate achievements. Remember, genuine support through personal challenges goes a long way in building a strong and loyal team.

Communication: Making Sure Everyone is on the Same Page

Following closely behind, with 35% of respondents highlighting its importance, was weak communication. The inability to clearly and effectively convey vision, expectations and feedback can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts and ultimately, low team morale.

Effective communication is a two-way street. It requires active listening, understanding the needs and perspectives of your team. Honing your self-awareness allows you to deliver feedback with empathy and sensitivity, fostering a safe space for open and honest communication.

Harnessing the Power of Self-Awareness

While only 5% of respondents directly attributed leadership failure to pressure, the study revealed another, deeper issue: lack of self-awareness. This refers to the ability to understand your own strengths, weaknesses, emotions, biases, and blind spots.

Self-awareness is the bedrock of emotional intelligence, allowing you to navigate challenges with resilience instead of simply reacting. It empowers you to make informed decisions, overcome biases, and be open to feedback.

The good news is that all these skills can be learned and developed: self-awareness through reflection and feedback, communication through practice and active listening, and relationship management through conscious effort and building trust.

Investing in Your Growth as a Leader

Investing in your own professional development is essential for leading a successful team. Consider enrolling in courses like Thornfields Training Services' "Aspiring Practice Managers" programme. This programme is specifically designed to equip aspiring and existing managers with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of leading a primary care practice.

The programme offers a comprehensive learning experience, combining reflective discussions, theoretical input, and personalised 1:1 coaching. It emphasises practical, real-life situations, allowing you to refine your skills and apply them to your daily work.

The course covers crucial areas like:

• Employment and Contractual Responsibilities: Understand your legal and HR responsibilities as a manager.
• Health and Safety for Primary Care Managers: Gain a clear understanding of relevant health and safety regulations and their application in your practice.
• Introduction to Practice Finance and Contracts: Develop skills to manage your practice's finances effectively.
• Introduction to Practice Management: Gain a comprehensive understanding of key management areas like workforce management, business planning, and patient service delivery.
• Preparing for CQC Inspection: Ensure your practice is fully prepared for CQC inspections.

By prioritising your own growth and developing the skills highlighted in this article, you can become a more effective leader, foster a thriving team environment, and contribute to the success of your primary care practice. Take the first step towards becoming a better leader by enrolling in the "Aspiring Practice Managers" program today.