Lessons on Leadership

Leadership is increasingly recognized as a distinct set of trainable skills that are different from the skills of management. Dedicated attention to these skills by future leaders and the people who hire them is necessary to stem the tide of failed leadership that continues to remain all too common. Effective leaders prioritize others over self and are skilled communicators. They integrate information from disparate parties, encourage collaborative engagement, create a sense of urgency, and set the organizational vision. Never complacent, effective leaders look for disruptive influences and confront them without fear. Effective leaders are change agents. If you wish to be a leader but believe that you first need a title, think again. The most effective leaders do not need one. Practice, train, and emphasize your colleagues and organization above yourself, and the rest will take care of itself. ^©RSNA, 2018.