Goal-Oriented Leaders
Set Directions
Strategically Align Decisions with Vision, Values, and Evidence
Take Action to Implement Decisions
Assess and Evaluate
Achieve EDI-Informed Results
Ivy Lynn Bourgeault, University of Ottawa & Canadian Health Workforce Network
The third A in the LEADS Framework, Achieve Results, focuses on goal-oriented leaders. The four capabilities – set direction; strategically align decisions with vision, values and evidence; take action to implement decision and assess; and evaluation – are all relevant to EDI. EDI-informed, goal-oriented leaders dedicate resources to address EDI outcomes and embed these processes within their department, division, or organization. First, leaders must establish a baseline knowledge through environmental scanning and audits of EDI data (e.g. staff, clients, and services), if they do not already exist. Next, they must consult a diverse range of interested stakeholders in high-level meetings to reach a (near to) consensus direction of EDI initiatives that are in alignment with organizational vision and values. These EDI plans must be resourced, implemented, and acted upon and supported with evidence-informed tools. One made-in-Canada EDI toolkit, developed from the Empowering Women Leaders in Health initiative, is available on the LEADS platform . Tools include EDI-aware hiring and promotion practices and EDI-supportive organizational policies, processes, and culture. Continuous monitoring, reassessment, and evaluation to track progress towards EDI goals and resetting direction for continuous improvement must be embedded in organizational processes for optimal results.
In retrospect, Dr. Dennis, who had a fulfilling career, regrets not addressing gender imbalances and their own privilege as a male earlier. They eventually engaged in mentorship and allyship with women, finding it rewarding. They now take satisfaction in women's success but wish they had supported gender diversity earlier in their career.
Men should reach out to women interested in leadership roles, encourage them to apply and offer to serve them as their ally.
On the occasion of International Women's Day, Melanie Bechard posted on X that while it is good that men acknowledge their female partners' professional sacrifices, it is better that men structure their lives so that their female partners do not have to sacrifice their career goals.
In the quote by Bill Tholl, founding executive director of the Canadian Health Leadership Network affirms that it is necessary but not sufficient to mentor those that are behind you but also sponsor them. The distinction there is not just to point to doors, but to actually help doors open.
