Leadership in the clinical laboratory: strategies for change

This article gives the reader insight into progressive approaches to effective leadership in the clinical laboratory. The report examines leadership styles conducive to the laboratory setting now and in the future. The laboratory requires a leadership style that creates a balance between management and leadership. This discussion includes hypothetical situations and responses to different circumstances and issues being confronted in this field. The laboratory is a vital link in the patient care process. This article emphasizes the importance of the human component of the system. Professional growth and productivity of employees are related to total organizational performance and success. Finally, this article focuses on progressive strategies for meeting the challenges of constant change in the health-care environment in general and in the laboratory in particular. The reader not only will enhance his/her effectiveness as a leader by applying these approaches and techniques, but also will gain significant insight through review of the referenced literature.