Being in the room where it happens: Leveraging behavioral scientists’ strengths in leadership

Abstract

Studies of leadership have identified several key traits and skills among successful leaders, including honesty, emotional intelligence, setting a vision, effective communication, and interest in providing feedback and developing others. These attributes, in addition to specific knowledge and skills related to health care systems, medical education, and effective team dynamics can propel behavioral scientists to success in graduate medical education. Whether or not it was labeled directly as leadership development, many behavioral scientists have had specific training in these core competencies, creating a potential for them to excel in leadership positions. We outline strategies for behavioral scientists to identify their leadership strengths, areas for growth, and pathways to seek opportunities for leadership within their programs or other avenues in medical education.