Episode Details

In this enlightening episode of @TheScienceofLeadership, Dr. Tom Collins speaks with Lieutenant General Mark Hertling about applying military leadership principles in healthcare. General Hertling shares insights from his military career and experience in physician leadership development, highlighting self-assessment, communication, and influence. He discusses understanding team members’ motivations, aligning presence with leadership roles, and building cohesive teams in high-stakes environments. Through real-world examples, this episode offers practical guidance for enhancing leadership skills across fields.

Lieutenant General Hertling is a West Point graduate, former Commander of U.S. Army Europe, and a combat veteran of three wars. He is highly decorated, with honors including four Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. After retiring, he earned a doctorate in business administration and transitioned to healthcare leadership, culminating in his book Growing Physician Leaders: Empowering Doctors to Improve Our Healthcare.

Key Takeaways:

• Continuous Self-Assessment: Leaders must regularly evaluate their character, presence, and intellect to maintain alignment with their values and roles.
• Influence Techniques: Effective leadership hinges on the ability to influence and understand the motivations of team members, rather than exerting external motivation.
• Communication is Key: Both what leaders say and how they are perceived are crucial. Emotional intelligence and impactful communication strategies are essential for effective leadership.
• Building Teams: Successful teams are forged through understanding individual member's strengths, motivations, and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Serendipity and Success: The confluence of preparation, being in the right position, and seizing opportunities often defines a leader’s journey and their impact.

Resources:

General Mark Hertling's Book: Growing Physician Leaders | https://a.co/d/i7M9bg6

General Mark Hertling’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hertling-dba-57987066/

Women in Medicine Initiative: http://womeninmedicine.org/

Dr. Tom Collins' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomcollinsmd/