Staying an Introvert, Becoming a Leader

Personal nature vs. the new reality

Today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment is causing a sea change in the way labs do business. The path to continuing success depends on collaboration, persuasion, and putting the value of the lab front and center in an institution.

However, the traditional image of a laboratorian evokes an educated, introspective person—one who is used to working alone and thinking deeply about data. In other words, an introvert.

But to truly advocate for their labs, introverts need to “make some noise” through decisive and effective leadership. To do that, they must focus on their people skills just as much as the technical aspects of their jobs.

So how do we reconcile the two—introversion and leadership—in the lab? Just how does an introvert change the value proposition of his or her lab without having to change his or her very nature? Is it even possible?

It’s not only possible, but preferable. Introverts bring very important leadership skills to the table. But just how does that happen? LabLeaders has some helpful advice.

See the big picture

Being focused on deeply technical tasks can often lead laboratorians to stop noticing the larger trends in the industry. The first step towards leadership is to position yourself in the larger context. Once you do that, change becomes easier.

Fortunately, adaptation can be taught with the help of colleagues. You can consider coaching and mentoring with more seasoned leaders in your organization. They can help you get the adaptation skills you need for further development—helping you see the big picture and the way the lab aligns in that picture.

“Leadership skills can be learned,” says Jerry Penso, M.D., M.B.A., American Medical Group Association. “There is actually a language skill set that can be developed. Go seek it and actively make it a part of your agenda.”

On Seeing the Big Picture

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Charles Wilson, MHA

Vice President

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Find a good "bartender"

Instead of introverts battling against their own nature, partnering with people who can do the “heavy lifting” of extroversion can be an advantage. In fact, it takes a classic type of mentality renowned for making people feel at ease.

Nascimento believes that it all hinges on complimentary personalities. “I think it starts with hiring people around you that have the personality that compliments your leadership,” he said. “You hire a manager, you hire a director, whatever level it is in the lab, if that person is extroverted, you start partnering with that person. You say, ‘Okay, help me. Push me.’”

On Finding a Good "Bartender"

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Fernando Nascimento, MSLA, MT (ASCP)

System Senior Director Florida Hospital Laboratory

Florida Hospital

Play to your strengths

Remember that introversion is not a handicap. Introverts have key strengths that make them powerful relationship builders.

As Kathy Allen, Ph.D., observes, “I think that you could be a leader and an introvert at the same time. I‘m an introvert—but as an introvert, what I leverage in my leadership capacity is I’m really good at small, one-on-one relationships. I don't have to be connected to everybody, but I can connect really well with key people.”

Connecting with those key people is the path to promoting your lab as a valued contributor and clinical partner. As you bring your knowledge, expertise and insights to the table, you will gain colleagues and partners sharing what you know and sharing your value.

Key lab leadership strengths of introverts:

Succeeding in today's rapidly changing environment requires a fine balance of listening, persuasion, study, and preparation-all skills that come naturally to introverts

Prepares thoroughly: Leading your lab means putting yourself in front of your C-suite and other top management who will have one overriding question: What sort of value does your lab provide? Your masterful praparation skills and ability to think things through means you will have an effective answer ready and waiting.
Dives more deeply: Many new lab initiatives involve moving out of the traditional, old-school model to gain a deeper understanding of a challenge. Building outreach, improving customer service, learning more about finance — all these require your excellent focus and deliberate study.
Enjoys solitude: New initiatives require deep thinking, especially as labs continue to redefine and expand their role. The comfort you take in being alone with your thoughts helps bring detailed, actionaable plans to light.
Keeps calm: Doing things differently sometimes results in pushback — especially from colleagues and superiors who are reluctant to embrace change. Seeing the way forward for your lab is only half the game; being able to calmly, confidently, and persistently advocate for your point of view is what gives you a true advantage.
Never settles: Continuous change has become the norm in the medical marketplace. Leaders must constantly innovate, improve, and motivate those around them. Resting on your laurels can be fatal to your lab, which is why introverts never do.
Writes effectively: Knowing what your lab needs to do in order to succeed is one thing. Being able to articulate the plan in a concise, persuasive, well-written fashion is another. Whether it's a memo to your internal team, an email to a colleague, or a full presentation to the board of directors, your literary talents will secure the influence you need.
Listens well: Your lab must constantly be on the lookout for new ways to increase efficiency, cut costs, and improve care. Your team members may be brimming with ideas — and your attentive lestening skills and self-effacing style will elevate their power to contribute.

Note: Adapted from Inc. Magazine, “7 Reasons Introverts Make Great Leaders.” September 17, 2014. http://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/7-reasons-introverts-make-great-leaders.html. Accessed March 9, 2015.

Working for the higher good

Introversion is only a problem if you use it as an excuse to not act. Not acting may be a temptation when an introvert is compelled to do things they find difficult, like reaching out or speaking up.

When these challenges occur, it’s helpful to remember that you’re working toward something bigger, and that whatever discomfort you feel now will pay big dividends in the end.

Working toward that higher good gives direction, confidence, and purpose that benefits introverts when tasked with doing things outside of their comfort zones. Remember: it’s bigger than you!

On Working for the Higher Good

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Kathy Allen

President

Allen & Associates Management Consulting

Can an introvert be a good lab leader?

Absolutely. In fact, it’s happening right now. Introverts are succeeding everywhere in upping the value and profile of their labs. They bring key leadership skills to the table, and can connect with others to compliment and project their skills that ultimately benefit patients as well as the bottom line.

Leaders come in all styles. Probably the most important thing is authenticity. You want to be authentic to yourself; people can smell fakery. Part of being a good leader is figuring out who you really are and being that person. You don't want to just emulate Bill Gates or Steve Jobs–you want to be your kind of leader.

Jerry Penso, MD

President and CEO

AMGA: Advancing High Performance Health

So if you’re nervous about that next board meeting, or reaching out to a decision maker in your institution, don’t be. Your very nature—perception, authenticity, and quiet strength—makes you an indispensible asset to leading your lab. Good luck.

Getting started: Key steps for leading as an introvert

Build connections: Try connecting with a few key people at your next meeting; fruitful one-on-one dialogues can cultivate powerful advocates and allies for your lab
Seek complementary personalities: Find those on your team who have qualities that compliment yours; a good “bartender” can be invaluable for making yourself heard
Find an extrovert “mentor”: This type of partner can help you deal with issues or challenges that take you out of your comfort zone
Remember, you are working for the higher good: Keep this mantra top of mind whenever you feel discouraged or uncomfortable