Successful Leaders

Demonstrate System / Critical Thinking

  • •E.g., gender-based analysis+:

    •be cognisant of how gender is the most fundamental source of differentiation we make of people;

    •be critical – challenge assumptions and ideas of gender neutrality;

    •be systematic – by applying this lens consistently and thoroughly and be transparent

Encourage and Support Innovation

Orient Themselves Strategically to the Future

Champion and Orchestrate Change

EDI-Informed System Transformation

Ivy Lynn Bourgeault, University of Ottawa & Canadian Health Workforce Network

Successful leaders think systemically to help achieve System Transformation, the final S in the LEADS Framework. System transformation is not only focused on the health system, but also on systems that perpetuate inequity, lack of diversity, and exclusion within the health system, be that sexism, racism, ableism, classism, ageism or settler colonialism. This can be daunting for health leaders but it builds on the previous elements of the LEADS Framework. By leading from where they are presently situated, successful leaders can champion and orchestrate systemic change. The first capability, systems thinking, can be augmented through tools such as Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+), where the plus refers to other EDI dimensions of visible minority and Indigenous status, and disability, among others. A GBA+ perspective encourages leaders to be cognisant of the forms of differentiation, to challenge commonly held assumptions (i.e., unconscious bias) and to systematically apply this lens consistently and transparently across all leadership activities. The federal Department for Women and Gender Equality (WAGE), formerly Status of Women Canada, hosts a number of GBA+ tools as a starting point. EDI-informed systems transformation requires leaders to move beyond their own leadership journey and develop capabilities to strategically assess which key societal structures pose the strongest barriers to EDI and to strategically orient themselves to support innovation and champion change.

Diversity and inclusiveness in health care leadership: three key steps

This article presents three recommendations for health care leaders to help them improve diversity and inclusion in their institutions leaderships roles.

Read More

Intersectionality and nursing leadership: An integrative review

This paper examines how intersectionality was "used to explore issues within the nursing profession".It concludes that being a member of ethnic minority group has a negative impact on one's career.

Read More

Inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility: From organizational responsibility to leadership competency

This paper discusses anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and barriers within the health sciences and proposes the LEADS framework to boost leadership of the racialized groups.

Read More

Who does she think she is? Women, leadership and the ‘B’(ias) word $

Women's leadership efficacy parallels that of males, but they face a double bind: adhering to gender expectations can impede leadership, and vice versa. Gender disparities are exacerbated by implicit prejudice, societal norms, and unequal expectations. These discrepancies are caused by social and organizational factors rather than talent. Practical ideas are aimed at increasing women's leadership representation.

Read More
Canada, Women Leaders, Leadership, Article, ON, Healthcare, Bias, EDI Ivy Bourgeault Canada, Women Leaders, Leadership, Article, ON, Healthcare, Bias, EDI Ivy Bourgeault

The missing voice of women in COVID-19 policy-making

The article highlights the underrepresentation of women in decision-making roles in Canada amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Women, especially working mothers, bear the brunt of caregiving responsibilities and are affected by job loss. Their voices are essential to advocate for investing in care infrastructure, which is crucial for economic recovery.

Read More

We need to stop "untitling" and "uncredentialing" professional women

The article covers "untitling," a gender prejudice in which women with professional titles are frequently referred to by their first names, whilst males are given titles. It defines "uncredentialing" and provides techniques for combating these prejudices, focusing on leadership accountability and courteous correction.

Read More

Photoquotes