Leadership

1a. For this course, I chose Radical Candor by Kim Scott. This book strongly aligns with my current and desired leadership style because it emphasizes leading with both empathy and accountability. Scott introduces the concept of caring personally while challenging directly, which resonates with how I view effective leadership, particularly in healthcare. In high-stakes environments, leaders must balance compassion with clarity to maintain trust, safety, and performance. What I hope to gain from this book is a deeper understanding of how to provide honest feedback without damaging relationships. Authentic leadership requires transparency and integrity, but it also requires emotional intelligence. Radical Candor reframes difficult conversations as an act of care rather than confrontation, which is especially important in healthcare settings where mistakes, stress, and burnout are common. I want to strengthen my ability to address issues directly while still supporting and valuing my team members as individuals. One of the most influential ideas I have encountered so far is Scotts assertion that being nice but avoiding honesty can be more harmful than being direct. This challenged my previous assumptions about leadership, as I often equated kindness with avoiding discomfort. The book reinforces that respect is earned through consistency, fairness, and clear expectations, not avoidance. My perspective on healthcare leadership has been shaped by observing leaders who were trusted because they were transparent, approachable, and held themselves to the same standards as their teams. Radical Candor affirms that authentic leadership is not about authority, but about earning respect through honesty, empathy, and accountability. 1b. Hi class, The leadership book I selected for this course is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. This book strongly aligns with my desired leadership style because it emphasizes principle-centered leadership, personal responsibility, and long-term effectiveness rather than quick results. Coveys focus on self-awareness, integrity, and collaboration reflects the type of leader I strive to become in healthcare, where trust and ethical decision-making are essential. Through this book, I hope to gain new knowledge about authentic leadership, particularly how leading oneself effectively is the foundation for leading others. Coveys emphasis on habits such as being proactive and seeking first to understand before being understood highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and empathy, which are critical in healthcare leadership roles. One of the most influential ideas in the book so far is the concept of being proactive. Covey explains that effective leaders take responsibility for their actions and responses rather than reacting to circumstances. This idea resonated with me because healthcare environments are often fast-paced and stressful, requiring leaders to remain calm, accountable, and solutions-focused. My experience working in patient access has shaped my views on healthcare leadership. I have seen how clear communication, empathy, and accountability directly affect patient experiences and team morale. Leaders who listen, support their teams, and model professionalism create a positive environment that ultimately improves patient care. Covey, S. R. (1989). The 7 habits of highly effective people. Free Press.