Challenges of leadership in an era of health care reform

Health care leadership has never been more difficult than in the past decade--and the next ten years promise to be even more demanding. As a new era for health care emerges, organizational leaders will be required to manage increased levels of risk, uncertainty, and rapid change. Successful chief executives will be those who recognize and nurture intangible leadership qualities including knowledge of self, commitment to service, and depth and breadth of vision. With the continued shift away from hospital inpatient care, health care leaders will be called on to develop multipurpose delivery systems that move from a market-based to a community-based focus and deliver high quality services in a cost-effective manner. Several leadership themes will unfold in the midst of health care reform, including: exploiting change for the good of the organization and community; serving as educator, communicator, and comforter to divergent constituencies; and reestablishing a balance between short-term goals and long-term vision.