Relational Leadership: Creating Positive Relationships

to Achieve Positive ResultsColleen Goethals, MS, RHIA, FAHIMADirector, Health Information ManagementR1 RCM, Inc.

Agenda

• What is Relational Leadership

• Applying Relational Leadership • Staff• Bosses• Peers

• High Performance Leaders

Relational Leadership

• Relational Leadership refers to the ability of the leader to create and maintain positive relationships within an organization.

• It includes positive relationships with employees, bosses, and peers — everyone in the organization.

• It achieves business results the right way; without demeaning, demoralizing or destroying people.

Relationships are the key to leadership effectiveness

Relational Leadership with Staff• Set Expectations

• Engage people in the mission and vision• Provide Purpose and Meaning

• Share the purpose of the goal• Explain the meaning of the goal

• Coaching and Mentoring• Build positive relationships• Build enthusiasm• Don’t be afraid of conflict

• Accountability• Measure performance

Leadership is based on inspiration

not domination; on cooperation, not intimidation.

William Arthur Wood

Relational Leadership with Bosses• Know your boss

• What motivates him/her; priorities; hot buttons; likes/dislikes

• Professional Commitment• Make your boss look good

• Integrity• Respect your boss; never treat

• Ask for what you want• Don’t assume your boss knows what you want

Relational Leadership with Peers• Partnership

• You are equals• Dependent on each other to achieve success• Everyone’s effort is equally important

• Feedback• Tell them how they are doing—honestly• Talk to them directly

• Trust• Understand: question, listen, discuss• Listen, consider their thoughts

• Respect

High Performance Leaders

• Challenge each other• Argue with each other• COLLABORATE• Give feedback and solicit feedback from others• Get to know people• Lead by example• Provide purpose and meaning• Upholds values: honesty, dignity, integrity

Conclusion

• Relational Leadership is a skill

• Constantly evaluate how you relate to others

• Communicate and inform

• Act as you want to be seen

Sources

The Feiner Points of Leadership, Michael FeinerLeadership Development for Healthcare, Merida L. JohnsThe Power of Relational Leadership, Forbes.comLeadership Is A Relational Skill, Forbes.com

Thank You!

Questions?