LEADS+ Developmental Model: Proposing a new model based on an integrative conceptual review

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Leadership Studies
• Organizational Development

Background:

• Academic health science centre (AHC) leaders manage multifaceted roles with evolving expectations.
• Health system disruptions, like the COVID-19 pandemic, intensify leadership challenges.
• Existing leadership models require enhancement to support AHC leaders navigating complex responsibilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine leadership and followership constructs within AHCs.
• To develop a refined conceptual model for healthcare leadership development.
• To integrate current leadership practices with theoretical frameworks.

Main Methods:

• An integrative conceptual review synthesizing literature and leadership frameworks.
• Iterative cycles of divergent and convergent thinking.
• Testing the model with simulated personas and feedback from healthcare leaders, educators, and developers.

Main Results:

• The LEADS+ Developmental Model was developed, featuring four nested stages of progressive capabilities.
• The model illustrates the dynamic interplay between leadership and followership.
• High endorsement (7.93/10) was received from knowledge users during the consultation phase.

Conclusions:

• The LEADS+ Developmental Model offers a framework to foster leadership development in academic health science centres.
• It clarifies the synergistic relationship between leadership and followership.
• The model describes leadership paradigms adopted throughout a leader's development journey.