What surgeons know about leadership

Last month I did a talk to an audience of orthopedic surgeons called "What Surgeons Don't Know About Leadership". 

I discussed things like developing leadership versatility and knowing how to shift styles, or understanding that leadership improvement is about self improvement. What I didn't tell them is what the surgeons know about leadership more than anyone else: is that leadership matters. 

First of all, they showed up. You can't succeed in anything that you don't show up for, don't prioritize and invest your energy in. At 6:30pm on a Wednesday evening most doctors and professionals want to be home - I don't blame them for it. But if getting what you want from your career is important to you - you have to show up. 

Second of all, nobody likes to be told that they don't know stuff, especially a surgeon. But if you want to grow, you have to be willing to be a little bit uncomfortable. While most people have raging inner critics, overall we believe that we actually know things best and we always have a good reason for our mistakes. That's why leaders get stuck with the same results over and over.

Finally, surgeons lead in the OR on a daily basis and they understand the power of teamwork, communication, and creating connections through common purpose. Nothing is more important to the surgical team than a good patient outcome. Having a clear, powerful mission that everyone believes in, is the foundation to creating powerful results.

Which one of these is the hardest for you?