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- Talk
- 22/09/2022
- UK
Future T&O Leaders (FLP): What Would You Have Done Differently As A Leader, What Were The Lessons You've Learned, How Have You Done It? Professor Keith Willett
Description
The presentation begins with Keith Willett humorously addressing his seemingly embarrassing introduction, quickly clarifying his intent to share insights from his career without formal management training. He reflects on his unexpected rise to leadership, prompted by a chance remark from an occupational psychologist at a dinner who noted how he 'kept floating to the top' in his career without intending to do so. Willett recounts his disruptive entry into the system at a young age and highlights the challenges he faced, such as opposition from senior colleagues and resistance to innovative ideas in healthcare like nurse-led teams and trauma care reforms.
Detailing his journey, Willett shares significant roles, including his appointments as National Clinical Director for Trauma, where he led the reorganization of trauma services and improved patient outcomes considerably over three years. He also recounts military deployment experiences in Afghanistan and Libya, where he learned valuable lessons about team support amidst challenges. Willett emphasizes the importance of learning from diverse practices globally, noting a particularly effective system he observed in a Cambodian hospital.
As he progresses through his extensive career, Willett highlights various lessons learned, such as the necessity of understanding operational complexities when attempting healthcare reform, the significance of engaging a broad base in developing solutions, and the importance of humility. He stresses that success often lies in flexibility and collaboration rather than rigid adherence to one's original ideas. Willett encourages taking insights from every stakeholder in the healthcare process and emphasizes that patient-centered care should always remain a priority.
Reflecting on his approach to leadership, Willett points out that clinicians must remain grounded to retain connection to their colleagues and the realities faced on the ground. He stresses ongoing communication and adaptability as critical elements in leadership, particularly evident during the COVID crisis. Willett finishes his addressed remarks with encouragement for the next generation to be bold, flexible, and inclusive in their healthcare transformations, highlighting the vital role of diversity and principles in shaping successful outcomes.