Characteristics,Behaviors,and Defining Success for Respiratory Care Leaders

Abstract

Background:

Prior studies have noted an association between perception of leadership and RT well-being. The characteristics and behaviors of respiratory care leaders have not been well-described. The aim of this study was to describe characteristics and behaviors of respiratory care leaders.

Methods:

An IRB approved survey was developed to examine the perception of leadership in respiratory care departments. The survey was emailed to a list of 334 respiratory care leaders at AARC, CoARC, CoBGRTE, NBRC, Respiratory Care, and state societies. Data analysis was descriptive.

Results:

Respondents (n = 96) had a median of 22.5 (14-35) years of experience, 74% were white, 72% worked in hospitals, 50% were male, 45% had a master’s degree, 10% had a doctorate, 30% had a bachelor’s degree, 45% were director/managers, and 9% were staff RTs. The five most important perceived characteristics of successful leaders were integrity (74%), work ethic (54%), empathy (53%), honesty (50%), and transparency (48%). The five least important characteristics were technical skills (54%), courage (50%), humility (37%), influencing others (34%), and self-awareness (22%). The most important behaviors of successful leaders were advocating for staff (57%), clear communication (57%), engagement with staff (52%), and delivering effective feedback (50%). The most important behaviors of unsuccessful leaders were poor communication (69%), playing favorites (63%), lying (63%), and ignoring staff concerns (52%). Leadership success was defined as creating opportunities for success (58%), employee engagement (50%), leading by influence instead of authority (40%), high morale (38%), advancing clinical practice (37%), accountability culture (32%), meeting department metrics (31%), creating an inspiring vision for the future (29%), transparency (28%), humility and awareness of how the team is functioning (28%), and prioritizing team success over individual accomplishments (26%).

Conclusions:

Integrity was the most important characteristic identified for successful leaders. Technical skills and courage were the two least important characteristics of a successful leader. The most important behaviors of successful leaders were advocating for staff, communicating clearly, and engagement with staff. Creating opportunities for success, employee engagement, and leading by influence instead of authority were considered leadership successes. Further research around leadership styles among respiratory therapists will be important.