As a leadership and executive coach, I have the privilege of working closely with professionals in high-duty of care professions. These individuals and organizations shoulder tremendous responsibility as they navigate complex and critical situations on behalf of their clients - all while being acutely aware that they have their professional licenses on the line. In this article, we explore the unique challenges faced by leaders in these high-duty professions and discuss strategies to help them thrive in their roles.
Leaders in high-duty of care professions face the perpetual challenge of balancing the demands of client care, regulatory & legal compliance, and organizational goals. Managing these priorities is quintessential to both the leader and the organization, as the stakes of not doing so sufficiently are very high (ex. loss of revenue, loss of license, loss of employee trust, etc.).
Additionally, the high-stakes nature of high-duty professions often exposes leaders to ethical dilemmas that test their moral compass. For instance, lawyers may face conflicts of interest, while doctors must grapple with issues of patient autonomy and end-of-life decisions. Even in my career as a licensed insurance adjuster, I faced ethical dilemmas regarding conflicts of interest in the settling of insurance claims. The solutions to these instances were not as cut-and-dry as one would believe. I can only imagine the pressure of those careers with an even higher duty of care when dealing with ethical dilemmas!
So how does a leader balance these priorities effectively, and navigate these ethical dilemmas? They do not go at it alone! Seeking guidance from your peers, trust in your team, or even hiring professional help from a coach, consultant, or industry expert are all options good leaders utilize when needed. Knowing you are not alone is a major stress reliever and confidence booster that leaders should not be ashamed of or be too prideful in seeking. Therefore, fostering an environment that encourages people to seek help and guidance becomes quintessential for leaders in an organization in order to minimize mistakes.
Leadership in high-duty of care professions is a multifaceted and challenging endeavor. By addressing the challenges outlined above, organizations can empower leaders to navigate competing priorities and navigate ethical quandaries by creating the space to seek guidance and support. Gone are the days of "toughing it out" and going at it alone; it is time to cultivate a new generation of leaders who thrive in the high-duty of care professions and make a lasting positive impact on society.
Comments