By Melanie Marshall
Lots of wise people have weighed in on what makes a great leader, but this quote from American clergyman John C. Maxwell sums it up pretty well: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Research indicates this walk-the-talk approach motivates and inspires employees to do their best, achieving optimal outcomes for clients, organizations, and the community. (Simons, 2015).
In the field of case management, leaders must “walk the talk” along a particularly challenging route: navigating care for complex patient populations impacted by social determinants of health, guiding staff through the continuing shift from fee-for-service toward value-based healthcare, and building a culture of self-care and resilience among front-line case managers – all while working to enhance care and control costs.
It’s a Herculean task, but the good news is that truly impressive leaders aren’t just born that way – they’re developed! Here are five qualities found in great case management leaders (and how you can instill them in your own organization):